Prior State Representative Candidate Ratings
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General Assembly & Governor Ratings
NOTE: Prior State Representative Candidates (starting with the 2006 primary election) are listed below by District Number. You need your State Representative and District Number to locate the Watchdog Indiana candidate ratings for prior candidates. You can go to Who's Your Legislator? at http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/ to find your Indiana House District Number.
Taxpayer Friendly elected officials and candidates who are results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally conservative must be identified and supported. Taxpayer UNfriendly elected officials and candidates do not deserve the electoral support of informed Watchdogs. Some elected officials and candidates have an Uncertain rating because of a limited or mixed public record. Indiana General Assembly ratings information is obtained from the Legislative Voting Record; Candidate Ratings for the 2012 General Elections; Candidate Ratings for the 2012 Contested Primary Elections; Candidate Ratings for the 2010 Contested General Elections; Candidate Ratings for the 2010 Contested Primary Elections; Candidate Ratings for the 2008 General Elections; Candidate Ratings for the 2008 Contested Primary Elections; Candidate Questionnaire for the November 7, 2006, General Election responses; Candidate Questionnaire for the May 2, 2006, Primary Election responses; Candidate Questionnaire for the November 2, 2004, General Election responses; Candidate Questionnaire for the May 4, 2004, Primary Election responses, Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election responses; Candidate Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election responses; and other sources (such as public comments during legislative sessions and campaign platform statements).
State Representative District 1:
Thomas (Lew) Andrews, Jr. (Uncertain)
Address: 7138 Monroe Avenue, Hammond, IN 46324
Phone: (219) 937-1054
E-mail: thomas.jr8730@sbcglobal.net
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Raymond L. Fletcher, III (Taxpayer Friendly)
7611 Birch Ave
Hammond, IN 46324
Phone: (219) 677-1637
E-mail: r3.fletcher2008@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.myspace.com:80/fletcher2008_4_state_rep
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 SJR 1.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
For too long now, the needs of special interest have been
represented rather than the needs of the average tax payer. Some are too busy
tearing others down rather than working together to help build our community up!
For TRUE property tax reform to be enacted we must some things first: 1) We MUST
repeal House Enrolled Act 1858. 2) Property is zoned as residential, commercial
and industrial. We must change the assessment process by removing the physical
structures and amenities and measure the size of the lot. Assess the value of
said lot and use that to formulate the tax owed. It is unfair that big business
received the benefits of 1858 and the caps.
Wes Miller (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 1386, Hammond, IN 46325
Phone: (219) 932-6457
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Ron Tabaczynski (Uncertain)
Address: 550 141st Street, Hammond, IN 46327
Phone: (219) 932-9616
E-mail: rontab@earthlink.net
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.
Fernando Urzua (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
323 Beverly Pl.
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 836-1533
E-mail: furzua@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.fernandourzua.com/
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.
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.
State Representative District 2:
Ricardo (Rick) Garcia (Uncertain)
4311 Ivy St.
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 392-9030
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Drake Morris (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4136 Deal Street
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 397- 9361
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? 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.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4, 2004,
Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2005-2007 biennium
budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve
depletions will you support? (Background: see the Indiana State Finances web
page at http://www.finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm
for information on how total state expenditures exceed current revenues every
year from 1999 through 2005). DID NOT RESPOND.
2. What do you think of (a) a property tax replacement study commission to study
the elimination of property taxes and alternative sources of revenue and (b) a
senior and disabled individuals property tax deferral program? (Background:
Senate Bill 264 information about the property tax replacement study commission
can be found online at http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2004&session=1&request=getBill&docno=264
and information about the property tax deferral program can be found online
at http://www.finplaneducation.net/property_tax_deferral_program.htm.)
DID NOT RESPOND.
3. Do you support exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the
gasoline tax by another 5 cents? (Background: combined with the 3-cent gasoline
tax hike in 2003, this would result in a revenue-neutral shift of all gasoline
tax proceeds from Indiana's General Fund directly to road improvements). DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. What is your position regarding tax increases to build an interstate from
Indianapolis to Evansville? 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.
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:
Willie L. Brown (Uncertain)
Address: 779 Polk Street, Gary, IN 46402
Phone: (219) 882-1219
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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.
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.
McKenya Dilworth (Uncertain)
Address: 340 S. Huntington Street, Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 781-0947
E-mail:
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.
George A. Rogge (WITHDRAWN)
607 S. Lake Street
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 938-8080
E-mail: george@roggeinsurance.com
Website:
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.
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.
Herbert (Herb) Smith, Jr. (Uncertain)
Address: 1316 Broadway, Gary, IN 46407
Phone: (219) 881-1017
E-mail:
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.
Tony Walker (Uncertain)
363 S. Lake St.
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 887-2626
E-mail: tony@walkerlawgroup.biz
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 4:
Ralph Donald Ayres (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 520 Park Avenue, Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 926-3177
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget.
DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted for the
2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending
totals exceed current revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Larry Chubb (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
249 Olivia Court
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 405-2796
E-mail:
Website: http://electlarrychubb.com/
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): No.
This is not a real solution to the problem. Government spending is the true
problem and must be reduced first. Amending the State Constitution in such an
illusory way is not appropriate and undermines the integrity of our
Constitution.
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.
Sylvia Graham (Uncertain)
Address: 178 West 150 North, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 462- 8809
E-mail: graham4reel@comcast.net
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Shawn Olson (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5307 4th Ave
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 464-7090
E-mail: info@olson4rep.com
Website: www.olson4rep.com
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 would support this bill along
with the House Bill 1001 that just passed. Do they go far enough to protect the
tax payers? Maybe not. Eventually I would love to see “
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: 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. Let’s not put
anymore burdens on the backs of our fellow Hoosiers. Additional information
about my positions on important topics can be found on my Issues web page at http://www.olson4rep.com/issues.htm.
Greg Simms (Uncertain)
224 Weblos Trail
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 477-3754
E-mail: baseball@netnitco.net;
pasimms1@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. 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. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint
Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful homeowner property tax cap amendment
to the Indiana Constitution, passed the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana
House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For property taxes first due and payable in 2012,
90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of
the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1,
2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service exemptions
equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St. Joseph County. The
caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become 1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again
pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1% constitutional homeowner
property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We the people can then vote to
make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a permanent part of the Indiana
Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to vote for
Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the solution,
otherwise the legislator is part of the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from
the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY.
The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake and St. Joseph
counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes effect in
2020.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be
used to replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the
property tax caps.
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)
Address: 637 Bay View Dr., Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (219) 255-1923
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted NO on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
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.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Joint Resolution 1
to deny voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
DID NOT VOTE on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted NO on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES
on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted NO on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget.
DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted for the
2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending
totals exceed current revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote AGAINST several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special
session vote AGAINST a 20% gas tax increase
(from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective 01/01/03.
4. Special
session vote AGAINST a phased-in shift of the inventory
tax to (1) all other types of property through an increased property tax rate
and (2) a tax on the income of individuals (in those counties
choosing to do so) through the establishment or increase of a County Economic
Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Jeremy Hiler (Uncertain)
Address: 30709 Pine Bluff Drive, Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: (574) 675-0539
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Dave Miller (Taxpayer
Friendly -
Part of the Solution)
2333 Southdale Dr.
Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: (574) 536-4004
E-mail: MrDavidLMiller@comcast.net
Website: http://www.davemiller.us:80/
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, I
do plan to support the constitutional property tax caps.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
Cory D. Stith (Uncertain)
57018 Guernsey Ave..
Osceola, IN 46561
Phone: (574) 876-3475
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Jerod Warnock (Uncertain)
640 Windy Cove Court
Mishawaka, IN 46544-4154
Phone: (574) 255-5497, (574) 855-9647
E-mail: jerod@jerodwarnock.com
Website: http://www.jerodwarnock.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I support expanded
early education programs.
State Representative District 6:
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.
Kevin L. Mitschelen (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
16061 Petro Dr.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 259-1113
E-mail: mitschelens-4@sbcglobal.net
Website:
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: I have committed to the governor's tax plan
if elected and will seek any tax reduction for Hoosiers ACROSS THE BOARD.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Government must work for the people
instead of the people working for the government!
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 7:
Dan Herbster (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
60149 Main St
South Bend, IN 46614
Phone: (574) 339-2654
E-mail: danielherbster@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.danherbster.com/
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 (07/08/08): I
support property tax caps and I would even like
to see property taxes eliminated. I was disappointed to see my home county (St.
Joe) and Lake County exempted from the cap.
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.
Thomas S. Kromkowski (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Mark Peter Telloyan (Uncertain)
PO Box 449
South Bend, IN 46624-0449
Phone: (574) 287-7690
E-mail: marktelloyan@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.mark4rep.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Anthony V. "Tony" Underly (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
30133 Chicago Tr.
New Carlisle, IN 46552
Phone: (574) 654-8785
E-mail:
Website:
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.
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.
State Representative District 8:
C. Michael Beebe (Uncertain)
6601 N. SR 39
LaPorte, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 369-2277
E-mail: Michael@MichaelBeebe.com
Website:
http://michaelbeebe.com/Welcome.html
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Richard Pfeil (Uncertain)
51707 Oakbrook Court
Granger, IN 46530
Phone: (574) 286-8400
E-mail: rkoehler@memorialsb.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
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.
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.
Dorothy Snyder (Uncertain)
Address: 236 E. Pendle Street, Roseland, IN 46637
Phone: (574) 272-3033
E-mail:
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.
State Representative District 9:
Dan Granquist (Uncertain)
7266 W 125 N
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 809-1556
E-mail:
Website: http://www.dangranquist.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Supports a balanced
budget. Supports no net increase in state taxes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Supports repeal of 17th
Amend US Const (allow state legislature to elect US Senators).
K. P. Nfr (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - DESPICABLE)
8633 W 400 N
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 229-2027
E-mail: kp@kpnfr.com; kp4rep@ossie4.com
Website:
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.
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 10:
Pamela M. Buhman (Uncertain)
Address: 5796 Lute Road, Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 762-4037
E-mail: gpbuhman@comcast.net
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: The question should be….would my constituents be
receptive to an increased sales tax and/or possibly an increased income tax if
property taxes were repealed? Do my
constituents feel this is a fair exchange?
Do you consider a tax as an “imposed” tax when one is eliminated and
another type is instituted to make up the difference, but in a different way?
Those that have the money to buy/purchase would pay the increased sales
tax, and those that make money would pay the income tax…while the elderly
would stay in the homes they’ve lived in for years and it would give people
more opportunity to own their own homes.
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: YES.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of
Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $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: YES. We
should attempt to locate the funding for this…..this will be such a benefit
for our children.
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: I hope not….we are already paying enough for gas.
The future is an uncertain horizon….we must go forward and make
decisions today that we know will affect our children and generations in the
future…but becoming a seer is not a job position I would embrace.
Renewable energy resources are what we need to promote, and then reliance
on foreign oil will not be an issue in the future.
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: NO.
If this is the case, why name the fund “Next Generation Trust Fund”?
Leave Major Moves money in the bank…earning $500,000 a day in interest.
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: NO.
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? RESPONSE: You
have my email. If you have any further questions, please contact me at any
time......thank you.
Duane Cheney (POLITICAL
HOG)
Address: 2700 Tecumseh St., Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 762-8682
E-mail:
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Kenneth M. Kaminski (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
2771 Hickory Street
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 628-5594
E-mail: kaminskiforstaterep@hotmail.com
Website:
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: I believe SJR1 needs improvements and it should have exceptions in
it for retired Hoosiers. There are several things I believe can improve SJR1,
therefore, I am withholding my pledge. Let's
make sure it is the absolute "best" it can be for all Hoosiers at
"all" income levels!
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.
Bob Poparad (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
352 Melton Rd.
Chesterton, IN 46204
Phone: (219) 787-8074
E-mail:
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.
State Representative District 11:
Lon P. Childress (Uncertain)
9549 W. 159th Ave.
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-0474
E-mail:
marine7813@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Al Cottingham (Uncertain)
222 East St.
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-3210
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
John T. Hart (Uncertain)
14207 Wheeler St.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 374-5257
E-mail: hartfor11@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Cy Huerter (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
8740 Carolina Ave.
Highland, IN 46322
Phone: (219) 838-3165
E-mail: c-bhuerter@juno.com
Website: www.Citizens4Cy.com
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 fully intend to vote in 09 for the same version of SJR 1, but, I
believe that we have the opportunity to do even better.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I am looking for a way to eliminate property taxes for homesteads all
together, or, if that fails, turn the property tax on homesteads into a
combination of a sales and capital gains tax. My sales/capital gains tax
plan would be settled at the closing table when a homestead is bought/sold. The
assessment for the buyer would be a percentage of the purchase price, the
payment from the seller would be a percentage of the capital gain. Any capital
loss would be credited to the basis (purchase price) of the seller's next
homestead.
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: I support the goal of eliminating property taxes for
homesteads (the homes we actually occupy), but, doing so could lead to increases
in both income and sales taxes, which I want to reduce. Experience
shows that taxes can be significantly reduced through the institution of more federal,
state, county, township and local governmental efficiencies. Since the goal
of eliminating property taxes for homesteads may not be practical, my proposal is
to settle it to the penny at the closing table when a homestead is bought /
sold. The buyer gets a firm assessment (percentage of the purchase price, in
other words, a sales tax) which can be paid monthly through the escrow account.
The seller pays a capital gains tax, (no gain, no tax), with
any capital loss available to be used as a deduction for future tax liability.
These taxes could be adjusted for inflation or deflation for future buyers and
sellers. Since the average turnover for homes in Indiana is only around 5
years, this plan will reward long term home owners and encourage community
stability.
Eric L. Olson (Uncertain)
7417 W. 140th Pl.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 374-8984
E-mail: ericolson2012@gmail.com
Website:
http://olsonforindiana.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Dan C. Stevenson, Sr. (POLITICAL
HOG)
Address: 3117 Martha St., Highland, IN 46322
Phone: (219) 922-9874
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted NO on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES
on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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. RECORD (04/09/2009 Statehouse hallway discussion): If
it comes up, I'll vote for it again.
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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
State Representative District 12:
William I. (Bill) Fine (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1341 Fitzgerald Drive
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 838-4800
E-mail: Bill@finein12.com
Website: http://www.finein12.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes, if I understand the question correctly.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. As it is
this is just a partially disguised sales tax and high gas prices (with resulting
less gas consumption) is likely to reduce the revenues from the gas tax while
the need for capital improvements goes up.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Improved.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I want the legislature to develop a comprehensive plan to reform the township
system, but in the absence of that effort, a county referendum makes sense. I
fear though that in counties where the township represents a strong political
influence they will simply be retained. Not only do I disfavor this extra level
of government, but I believe that poor relief is a Hoosier obligation and should
not be a township tax burden. The poor relief system needs to be coordinated
with the State welfare system and it needs a wider source of revenue.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: I would extend this oversight to all governmental bodies.
Rather than just getting warning notices and reprimands from the State Board of
Accounts, I would like to require local government to hire independent auditors
who would directly certify all improprieties to the Attorney General. As it is,
there is no efficient or effective remedy for bad practices.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
George T. Janiec (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
1701 170th Pl.
Hammond, IN 46324
Phone: (219) 678-6761
E-mail: gjaniec@sbcglobal.net
Website:
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 (08/07/08): I
do strongly support the passage of SJR 1.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER (08/07/08): 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? ANSWER: NO.
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: NO.
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: YES.
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? 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: NO.
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: YES.
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?
Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Peter N. Karagan (Uncertain)
1930 Cherrywood Ct.
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 924-4433
E-mail: pnkccre@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Alicia Lopez-Rodriguez (Uncertain)
Address: 4517 Tod Avenue, East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 391-8220
E-mail:
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.
Hilda Rodriguez (Uncertain)
Address: 2003 Port De Leau, Highland, IN 46322
Phone: (219) 670-9299
E-mail:
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.
State Representative District 13:
Chester F. Dobis (Uncertain)
Address: 6565 Marshall Court, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 980-9046
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES
on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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. RECORD (10/20/08 Northwest
Indiana Times story): Dobis, who voted for the constitutional amendment in
March, said legislators need to wait a few years
to see the full impact of the caps on local government before adding the caps to
the state charter.
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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the May 4, 2004
Primary Election, November
5, 2002, General Election, and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4,
2004, Primary Election
1. Voted for
the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending
totals exceed current revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Voted for
the 2004-05 state budget where the property tax
relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Voted during
the 2002 special session to increase the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon).
4-5. DID NOT
RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Joseph M. Hero (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
11723 South Oakridge Drive
St. John, IN 46373
Phone: (219) 365-8714
E-mail: nrck.nwpt@att.net
Website:
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.
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. I
ran on that platform 4 years ago! Its amazing how that caught on!
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: My platform is based on no new taxes.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2004, Primary Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget. Cut the cost of prescription
medications. Cut the cost of a college education. Oppose any and all new taxes.
Cut insurance costs for individuals and business. Promote economic development
and new jobs. Support small business, manufacturing, and leading edge technology
incubators. No "special deals" for "special interest
people." Stop raiding teacher's pension funds and improve schools.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. I have an eleven point Tax Relief
Legislation Plan to reduce property taxes and and stimulate economic development
in Lake County. (1) Legislation to use all Lake County casino money ($82
million) to cut the county tax component of your tax bill by 30%. Cities and
Towns presently without Casinos receive a pittance from Casino revenue ($4.5
million of the $82 million). (2) Legislation to have the State supply funding
for the Lake County welfare property tax component which will further
significantly reduce the County property tax component. Require the state cut
spending to fund this tax relief. (3) Legislation to cap taxes, cap the tax
levy, and cap government spending. Reduce local budgets and reduce the tax levy
by local government entities by 7% per year to shrink government spending. (4)
Limit and cap the tax increases on residential home owners in any one year. (5)
Cap property taxes to a fixed percent (GOAL 1 TO 1.5%) of assessed valuation.
(6) Legislation to allow filing retroactively for entitled exemptions and
appeals. (7) Legislation to provide adequate tax relief for senior citizens on a
fixed income. (8) Legislation to stop companies given tax breaks in HB 1858 from
outsourcing jobs. (9) Legislation for the consolidation of government services
and provide a fair minimum property tax and fair and equitable user and utility
rates to cut taxes. (10) Legislation and a Constitutional amendment to give the
State Attorney General jurisdiction to prosecute public corruption and vote
fraud anywhere in the state. Current public corruption scandals in Lake County
demonstrates the need for legislation to increase prosecution and increase
criminal penalties. (11) Provide a payment plan for taxpayers who are unable to
pay their tax bills on time.
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. I favor no tax increases.
I favor a small amount of "seed" money to get the project going, but
require tax cuts to make up the amount.
4. Additional Comments. I am troubled by the tax burden
being placed on the working families of this district. The current
legislators in Indianapolis knew we were going to be hit hard by the property
tax reassessment and they did nothing about it. In fact, it wasn't until we, the
concerned citizens of this community, started asking questions that the
administration even began to act upon this important issue, all after the fact.
This is why it is critical we elect competent leaders for the State
Representative position. The time has come to put new leadership in charge at
the State House. We need a Representative who will stand up for Hoosier
families, not the special interest groups. I look forward to a spirited campaign
and earning your vote!
Mark Straw (Uncertain)
6181 W SR 28
West Lebanon, IN 47991
Phone: (765) 761-8722
E-mail: mark@strawforindiana.us
Website: http://www.strawforindiana.us/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I believe in
conservative fiscal policies, balanced budgets and
living within our means.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): It is important that
state government encourages a regulatory and tax climate to make Indiana a place
where home grown entrepreneurs can flourish and others bring new businesses.
Dan Young (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 418
Attica, IN 47918
Phone: (765) 299-6693
E-mail: dan@dryounglaw.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: I support balanced budget amendments for
both Federal and State governments. Although I appreciate Indiana's debt
prohibition, I want to see the efforts to balance the ENTIRE budget. Basically,
I believe that al government entities should do as responsible taxpayers' do:
operate within their means.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: Although I am a Purdue University alumnus and
always enjoy the Rube Goldberg competitions, I agree with your organization's
remise that Transportation Funding needs revamping and I would like to see more
money directly allocated to infrastructure. However, I need additional
information about the matter - particularly viable options as to State Police
funding - before I can decisively opine on the matter or give a direct answer.
But, I am certainly open to researching and being educated about this plan or
others.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: I would prefer that the State never take more from the
taxpayers than is absolutely necessary to perform its critical functions. I am
not sure that I like the threshold increase. Perhaps I am cynical when it comes
to government's use of our money, but I fear that if more money is available to
be spent by an entity then that entity will do all it can to ensure that there
will be any "excess" to refund. I would also prefer a non-refundable
credit to those who paid toward the excess.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I am not a
proponent of progressive taxes and favor a more flat tax system. Punishing those
who make more leads to the type of class warfare rhetoric we hear now out of
Washington. As Thomas Jefferson so prophetically-stated, "The democracy
will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and
give to those who would not." If the Homestead Deductions are the only way
to limit what those who will not work (government included) can take from those
who do, than I favor their retention.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I support the education of voters as to the issue and the use of their voter
privilege to decide what is best for their community. I also support any true
reform efforts that result in consistent and professional public service, tax
savings, improved oversight, and minimized coercive taking of property.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: I am a fan of any conservative and results-driven action that
limits bureaucratic discretion or fiat. The Framers were not shortsighted in
their implementation of a system of checks and balances over government.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: Although I have no direct knowledge of your organization, I want to make
it clear to you and my constituents that I will close the door on no one who
desires to work with me to make life better for Hoosiers. I am not an
establishment designee and as a Reagan Republican I will welcome all to the
table who have good ideas and who are willing to intelligently debate an issue.
Although there are certain convictions I maintain, in the role of legislator I
will balance those convictions with the will of the people. Those who wish to
work with me to improve Indiana and the lives of its people, then you may email
me at dan@dryounglaw.com. I do not have
a website, but I do have a facebook page.
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.
Sherman D. Carson (Uncertain)
2831 West 65th Avenue
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 944-7767
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 15:
Art Anderson (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 71, Wolcott, IN 47995
Phone: (219) 261-4000
E-mail:
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.
Lon P. Childress (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
9549 W. 159th Ave.
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 552-4879
E-mail:
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):
No, because it will raise our taxes. People should do the math with the new
system, and they should put out a similar form of it than the 900-page report.
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 - 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.
Richard H. (Rich) Niemeyer (Taxpayer
Friendly)
13339 Calumet Ave
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 776-7042
E-mail:
niemeyerforrepresentative@gmail.com
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 pledge to vote
for Senate Joint Resolution 1.
This provides for meaningful property tax
relief. I would also be in favor of legislation that would put a cap on assessed
valuation due to annual trending.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am also an advocate of maintaining our grassroots local government. I do not
believe the elimination of township government will save the tax payers any
money or expense. I actually believe it would be more costly.
Thomas C. O'Donnell (Uncertain)
1240 Royal Dublin Lane
Dyer, IN 46311
Phone: (219) 322-4433
E-mail: tom_odonnell@sbcglobal.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from NWI
Politics): I would vote to repeal right-to-work.
Myron M. Sutton (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
103 West Goss Street
Kentland, IN 47951
Phone: (219) 474-3287
E-mail: kathierigby@hotmail.com
Website:
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.
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 - 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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
State Representative District 16:
Diana J. Boersma (Uncertain)
2748 W. 1400 N.
Wheatfield, IN 46392
Phone: (219) 956-2220
E-mail: djboersma16@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Eric A. Gutwein (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 710 West Winding Road, Rensselaer, IN 47978
Phone: (219) 866-5828
E-mail:
Website:
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap
takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local
option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions
that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Legislative
Voting Record.
Richard W. (Rich) Ludington (Uncertain)
410 S. Melville St.
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Phone: (219) 863-6185
E-mail: rluding@msn.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
John "the man" Malan (Uncertain)
Postal "matter" Box 242
Demotte, IN 46310
Phone: (219) 465-8971
E-mail: gweedothewireman@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. 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? 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? RESPONSE: I am John
Anthony, Malan and will be forty three years of age next week. I served my
country honorably in the United States Marine Corps—recon marine. I currently
am an electrician and receive work from a union hiring hall—International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This is my third time seeking a chair on the
Indiana General Assembly. Since I am out of town and will not be available until
after the election I am issuing this press release so as to clearly give notice
to all, as to what my research has identified as being problems for the people.
First let me say that I am not a politician or an attorney. The word politics
can be split into two words—poly meaning many and tics meaning blood sucking
creatures. If elected to service I will be a statesman not a politician. A
statesman is for the people and the country — a politician serves his own
belly. The issues are as follows:
1. Land Grab—non-governmental organizations (ngo’s) continue to purchase
land for pennies on the "dollar" in order to turn certain parcels into
wildlife preserves pursuant to Agenda 21 of the United Nations. Thousands of
acres of land are now removed from the property tax rolls.
2. CAFR— the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report shows billions in surplus.
The STATE fraudulently has a second set of books called the annual budget. These
books always show deficits and are their basis for increasing all taxes.
3.The Judiciary continues to legislate from the bench—the Indiana Judicial
Conference has no common people on the rule making committees.
4. Privatization of the peoples departments of government must cease—e.g.
Indiana Department of Commerce.
5. Property and "income" taxes are too high.
These are a few areas that I will work on, if the people on the 15th
District consent. This country is dying. We must, one state at a time remove the
tyrants who govern and restore the Constitutional Republic. May God bless this
country again.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire -
May 4, 2004, Primary Election
1-4. The Candidate Questionnaire issues are over my head!
5. Biography: I originally hail from Brooklyn, New York. From 1980 till
1984 I served as a Recon Marine in the 2nd Marine Division. After
being Honorably discharged I worked as a truck driver delivering newspapers for
the New York Daily News. In February 1988 I initiated into the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #3 as an elevator repair apprentice. I
am now a Journeyman Wireman/Certified Welder. I have 2 children located in Lake
County and it is for them I am seeking to sit on the 19th
District’s State Representatives seat. Tough Steps to Restore
Constitutional Government: There are some major problems in this Country,
with most people not realizing the power that the individual states have in
effecting change. I am not a professional politician so there is no ambition to
climb the political ladder. The word politics can be broken down into two
words—poly, meaning many—and tics, meaning blood sucking
creatures. Being an outsider I am not afraid to propose the tough steps needed
to restore our Constitutional form of government. STEP ONE: Re-define free
trade, impose tariffs and quotas on all goods imported, and establish a 50/50
trade policy with all nations where 50% exported goods means 50% imported goods.
The legislature of the states must demand that unilateral power of the President
to engage in free trade agreements is not in the best interests of its citizens
since it encourages corporations to flee to low wage countries. STEP TWO: Expose
the State of Indiana’s two book system. If the average citizen kept two sets
of books relating to taxes he would be prosecuted and jailed. Why does the state
of Indiana keep two sets of books? The Annual State Budget always show
shortfalls and deficits. This is the basis politicians use to raise taxes; on
the other hand the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) shows billions
in surpluses. How can any tax increase in any sector be justified? An
investigation of these CAFR funds will show that the Property Tax Re-Assessment
Plan in Indiana was not necessary. Visit: http://cafrman.com
for more information on the CAFR (visit: http://www.in.gov/auditor/publications/
to obtain your free copy). STEP THREE: Stop the land grab. Non governmental
organizations are buying lands under the guise of creating wildlife preserves
and refuges. Thousands of acres of land are being removed from the tax rolls
thereby shrinking our tax base in Indiana. STEP FOUR: Stop illegal
immigration. I find it amazing how the government can trace a mad cow from
Canada thru the United States but not find illegal immigrants who bleed
resources from people who are here legally. Fiscal Year 2003 Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Information: If the State returned the $11.73
billion in surpluses to the people the State economy would grow by $3,808 per
capita. Businesses net incomes could double or triple. One source of CAFR
surpluses is Toll Roads, an Enterprise Fund and not part of the budget, that
made a profit of $16 million and had reserves (cash and investments) of $195
million. The State Revolving Fund, also an Enterprise Fund and not part of the
budget, made a profit of $17 million and had cash and investment reserves of
$871 million. The Administrative Services Revolving Fund had net expenditures of
$555 thousand and cash reserves of $25 million (or 46 years of reserves). Other
Non-Major Special Revenue Funds, not individually itemized and part of the
budget, made a profit of $105 million and had reserves of $1.1 billion. These
only represent four of the 53 funds shown below that had cash and investment
reserves not being used. Unless the budget flaws are corrected and the entire
State finances are used in the budget process, the problems that created the
surpluses will continue to exist. The budget deficits reported by the Governor
and legislatures will be used year after year for the excuses for tax increases
and/or to reduce needed services.
Bill Reutebuch (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
5685 South Main
Winamac, IN 46996
Phone: (574) 595-0719
E-mail: riverside@pwrtc.com
Website:
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): No.
We have no idea that 1, 2, 3, (proposal) is going to work. It needs some time.
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 17:
Nancy Dembowski (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 902 South Pearl Street, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: (574) 772-3876
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful
homeowner property tax cap amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St.
Joseph County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget.
DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted AGAINST
the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund
spending totals exceed current revenue totals for the eighth
straight year. The 2004-05 state budget also
includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers, which worsen the $8.5 billion
shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Legislative
Voting Record.
Francis K. Ellert (Uncertain)
1701 Pidco Dr.
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 842-2631
E-mail: fellert@hotmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Stave Heim
Address: 217 S. Ohio St., Culver, IN 46511
Phone: (574) 210-0265
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1-4. DID NOT RESPOND to Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Mark MacKillop (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
6035 South 250 West
North Judson, IN 46366
Phone: (574) 936-4434
E-mail: mark@markmackillop.com
Website: http://www.markmackillop.com/
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.
Ernest Rowe (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
300 Eastwood Dr.
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 936-7862
E-mail:
Website:
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):
Indiana property taxes should be repealed through sales tax and state or local
income tax. I think homeowners' real estate tax should be totally abolished. Why
should they be the only ones to pay for schools???? Tax caps on rental and
business are OK.
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 18:
Christopher (Chris) Wright (Uncertain)
62 EMS C24C Lane
Warsaw, IN 46582
Phone: (574-) 267-3322
E-mail: Chrisforstaterep@live.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 19:
Eric Hammond (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 606, Crown Point, IN 46308
Phone: (219) 765-6267
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
Bill Johnson (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
106 West Clark St.
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 488-7631
E-mail: Bill.Johnson@johnson19.com
Website: www.johnson19.com
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,
but I would like to point out this is only a token start. With this law, our
fearless leaders have not put all of Indiana on a diet. Rather they have trimmed
the tax everyone is looking at - property taxes. Like a magician, they will pull
new tax burdens out of the hat. If government is not reduced, it will need the
same portion of Purina Government Tax Chow it needed before the new property tax
laws. Where will the Tax Chow come from? My question to those in office is,
“Is Government smaller, more efficient and less expensive than when you went
into office?"
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Tired of disorganized, burdensome and confusing taxation, I
intend to protect the wallets of everyone in
Ron Johnson (Uncertain)
14175 Grand Blvd.
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: ((219) 661-0771
E-mail: drron19@gmail.com
Website: http://www.drronjohnson.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I favor economic
freedom via balanced budgets.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Robert Daniel Kuzman (POLITICAL
HOG)
Address: 819 Savannah Drive, Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 661-1044
E-mail:
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the May 4, 2004
Primary Election, November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4,
2004, Primary Election
1. Voted for
the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund
spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year. The
2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers, which
worsen the $8.5 billion
shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3.
Voted during the 2002 special session to
increase the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon).
4-5. DID
NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2. Special session vote FOR
several tax increases that will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1,
2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. DID NOT RESPOND to Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Dennis Meeks (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 137
Crown Point, IN 46308
Phone: (219) 662-0961
E-mail:
Website:
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):
In order to make a intelligent and informed decision I would need to look at
state debt-to- income ratios. Potential cuts to overstaffed and redundant
offices, but I believe property taxes can be eliminated by using the
above-mentioned methods and cut many of the needless redundant jobs in
government.
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.
Andrew Webster (Taxpayer
Friendly)
402 E. Sigler Street
Hebron, IN 46341
Phone: (219) 226-1735
E-mail:
Website:
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.
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):
Yes.
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.
T. J. Wigmore (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 197, Crown Point, IN 46308
Phone: (219) 661-9524
E-mail:
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.
State Representative District 20:
Mary Kay Budak (Uncertain)
Address: 5144 N. Pawnee Tr., LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 879-4949
E-mail: H20@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r20/
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.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote AGAINST several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special
session vote AGAINST a 20% gas tax increase
(from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective 01/01/03.
4. Special
session vote AGAINST a phased-in shift of the inventory
tax to (1) all other types of property through an increased property tax rate
and (2) a tax on the income of individuals (in those counties
choosing to do so) through the establishment or increase of a County Economic
Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR the
Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Jerry P. Cooley (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - DESPICABLE)
1777 W 1000 N
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-8075
E-mail: jpcooleypc@aol.com; ddecker3@verizon.net
Website:
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.
Gregory D. Kelver (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: P.O. Box 222, Union Mills, IN 46382
Phone: (219) 324-4229
E-mail: gregkelver@sensiblealternative.org
Website: www.sensiblealternative.org
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? NO. I
believe that Indiana's property tax system should be radically restructured
(lower) into a uniform , equal, and simple square
footage based flat tax on land & structures to reduce the burden on
property taxpayers. Education funding should be pulled off of the property tax
system and parents should receive an individual education grant or a tax credit
to be used to expand parental choices in education.
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? YES.
I believe the state budget should be reduced by 3-5% per year.
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? I believe that Indiana's property tax system should
be radically restructured into a simple, flat tax on land & structures to
reduce the burden on property taxpayers. Education funding should be pulled off
of the property tax system entirely and parents should receive an individual
education grant or a tax credit to be used to expand parental choices in
education.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of
Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTION: Should
the state pay for full-day kindergarten? NO.
Education funding should be pulled off of the property tax system entirely and
parents should receive an individual education grant or a tax credit to be used
to expand parental choices in education.
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? NO. The
proceeds from the Toll Road sale should have been used to pay off debt as
required by Indiana's constitution.
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? I am opposed
to a "new terrain" I-69
- no additional tax (of any type) should be necessary.
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? I am opposed to a "new terrain"
I-69 but I favor user fees (tolls) to pay for
interstate highway maintenance and improvements
instead of using general taxation paid by all taxpayers.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? I
favor a radical overhaul of property tax and education funding similar to the
Libertarian Party of Indiana Plan that was proposed in 2001. I
am strongly opposed to any tax plan such as Hometown Matters that would permit
new taxes on sales, income, food, beverages, or hotel rooms to be imposed by
local officials.
Andrea L. Renner (Uncertain)
Address: 204 Virginia Avenue, LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 448-1662
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
Karen Salzer (Uncertain)
2284 W. Elm Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 851-2133
E-mail: ksalzerforhd20@gmail.com;
kk.salzer@gmail.com
Website: http://www.karensalzer.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): We must create fair
education standards created by education experts, not arbitrary ones dictated by
politicians. We also have to fully fund our public schools. The unconstitutional
practice of sending public money to private schools must stop.
Howard M. Smith (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 203 E. Jefferson Avenue, LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-9663
E-mail: hsmith83@comcast.net
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? RESPONSE: I will
support a version of Hometown Matters, with some modification, so
that each county can best set the mix of taxes that is best for them. What works
for Marion County will not work for La Porte County.
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? RESPONSE: I feel
that property taxes should be used only for bonded indebtedness or other capital
improvements, such as computer purchases for schools. The property tax is stable
and not as prone to variation as others. Local
government should be funded with a mixture of other taxes, like a
local income tax, entertainment taxes, and other combinations that the local
governments can best determine.
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? RESPONSE: No, I
don't anticipate having to raise gas taxes.
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? RESPONSE: I still feel that a new
terrain I-69 is not really needed. By upgrading US 40 to Interstate
quality, the goal of speeding traffic from Evansville to Indianapolis can be
achieved. The $500 million should be set aside to fund future road projects
after it reaches $1 billion and then only the interest should be tapped, not the
principal. We need a way to pay for maintenance of the new roads that major
moves will provide, as far as I know, upkeep of the roads that major moves will
add has not been planned for.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? RESPONSE: I am in favor of
eliminating book rental for all Indiana students, this is a fee that
only Indiana and Alaska have. I am also in favor of eliminating or raising
the exemption on Inheritance Tax. Currently, that exemption is at $100,000. That
does nothing to help survivors keep a family farm in the family.
State Representative District 21:
Randy L. Conner (Uncertain)
57674 Priscilla Court
Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone:
(574) 370-2057
E-mail: dolphconner@frontier.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
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.
Clyde James (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - DESPICABLE)
64299 St. Rd. 331
South Bend, IN 46614
Phone: (574) 633-4890
E-mail: tam.james@yahoo.com
Website:
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.
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.
Robert Kovach (Uncertain)
Address: 1607 Vannoni Place, Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 257-4111
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Jackie Walorski (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 20121 Patterson Rd., Lakeville, IN 46536
Phone: (574) 784-2039
E-mail:
Website: http://www.jackiewalorski.com/home.html
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO
on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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. RECORD (10/14/08 Indiana
Family Institute Voter Guide): Undecided
on passing the constitutional amendment on property tax reform again next year
(must pass two sessions) so it can go on the November general election ballot
for a vote. RECORD (04/02/09 Statehouse hallway meeting): Supports
the passage of SJR 1 so House District 21
voters can express their opinion on the constitutional property tax caps at the
ballot box.
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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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.
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 22:
John Bonitati (Uncertain)
2329 Old Ditch Road
Warsaw, IN46580
Phone: (574) 551-2994
E-mail: jbonitati@bonitatiforinhouse.com;
bonitati@embarqmail.com
Website: http://www.bonitatiforinhouse.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): All state agencies need
to be evaluated for program redundancies, acceptable efficiencies and service
levels. An example would be to look at the number of different state Medicaid
programs and assess a more streamlined service offering to save money. Improved
billing procedures would produce savings for the state and medical providers.
Significant budget cuts to Child Protective Services the Cardinal Center have
hurt defenseless, abused children and the disabled; we have a moral obligation
to protect those most vulnerable in our society and treat them with dignity and
compassion.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): We need
transparency in economic development deals to balance taxpayer’s needs and
competitive advantage.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Education is one of the
greatest institutions, and cuts in public education hurt students. We need to
fund education at the pre-school level and put public education first.
Vocational training needs to be invested in, as well as apprenticeship programs
and worker retraining programs. We need responsible incentives for businesses
hiring additional full time employees, not temporary workers, with clawbacks to
hold companies responsible for not meeting terms of the agreement. Results-based
business regulations with simpler rules tied to the outcomes they produce are
important to create a favorable business climate.
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.
William A. (Bill) Dixon (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1300 N. Long Dr.
Syracuse, IN 46567
Phone: (574) 525-6035
E-mail: bill@wawaseetv.com
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'm
against it. Three classes of taxation is simply
unfair, those being taxed at the highest rate (the State Chamber) oppose it, and
I do to. It seems to me that every piece of property should be taxed the
same, at whatever rate that might be, to pay for the
property tax portion of the budget. It seems unfair to tax business property at
three times the rate that we tax residential property. I am sick and tired of
the state having one set of rules for urban Indiana and another set for rural
Indiana. At first, I didn't like the exceptions for St. Joseph and Lake
Counties, but upon further reflection, this is their way of taking
responsibility for debts that they have incurred, and that sounds like the right
thing, too. It's about time there was one set of rules. I
am more friendly to equal rights than I am anything else. I still think
we'd been better off if we'd started by attacking spending, and let the revenues
come down by taking less, but that's just
not a politically viable alternative given the makeup of the legislature.
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? ANSWER: Property taxes no
longer accurately reflect what they once did: a tax
on wealth. In 1851, you had to own or rent real property to produce revenue.
Today, $5000 will buy you 2 acres of farmland, inventory to sell on E-bay, or
100 shares of McDonald's stock. All three produce revenue. Only one is taxed by
the state. This is ridiculous. We either need to tax all of them or none of
them. I have looked into taxing all of them, and frankly find the required
bureaucracy unworkable and too inefficient to tolerate. Therefore, property
taxes have to go, for all Hoosiers. The state should also undergo a total
top-to-bottom budget overhaul, eliminating all programs and expenses that no
longer serve a deserving purpose, either because the issues they addressed have
gone away or because the number of people effected is insignificant compared to
the cost. The last time I am aware that this was done was during the Bowen
Administration. Whether this is politically possible is another question. There
is a general desire for the state legislature to become the county
commissioners, school board, and town council for every community in the state,
micro-managing to a point that would be comical, if it weren't so painful. This
must be stopped. If community "A" wants this, and community
"B" doesn't, but wants that instead, what does that hurt, as long as
they're raising their own money to do it? People have to trust in their power of
the ballot box, and not call on the state legislature to destroy local control.
Anyone who wants to e-mail me on this should feel free to do so, and I'm willing
to "be educated" on these topics, too.
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.
Jon D. Hare (Uncertain)
12528 N 250 E
Milford, IN 46542
Phone:
(574) 518-0393
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Larry E. Rensberger (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
10371 Long Meadow Lane
Granger, IN 46530
Phone: (574) 674-2723
E-mail: tbansba@aol.com; larryrensberger@yahoo.com
Website:
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.
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):
No. Daniels has been incorrect in
almost everything he has done. We must not allow this to be put into the
constitution as it is now written. Indiana must address Illegal Immigrants. Why
do you not have a question about this? Why do you not have a place for our
comments? Also, Daniels has been blaming local government for the high cost of
Indiana taxes. The fact is that the local government, county and township, is
not where the waste is. The HUGE waste is at the State level, and much of it
comes under the heading of construction. Only a new group of Representatives and
a new Governor can SAVE INDIANA.
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 - 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: NO.
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: YES.
Or more help would be OK.
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? ANSWER: Mandatory is not
a good idea. Optional is the only way for this to be done. Parents and teachers
should have a choice here. Five-year-old children are not all at the same level
and to make it mandatory shows the lack of ability politicians have in running
our educational system.
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: We do not know how this will turn. I'm against any additional
taxes.
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: This is a joke. The
road will not be built for this amount. It will require much more. If possible this
road should not be built, but improve US 41 connecting to I-70 or
improve Ind 37 connecting to I-64.
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: NO.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
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? 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.
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.
William J. (Bill) Ruppel (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 909 St. Rd. 13 W., North Manchester, IN 46962
Phone: (260) 982-7981
E-mail: H22@in.gov; wjruppel@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r22/
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted NO on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language. Legislator Comment: I voted against
the conference report because they did not print enough and it was not on the
electronic means. I received the bill 4 minutes before the vote and had not seen
or read the last changes so I voted no. I cannot vote on something that big and
with so many issues with less than 15 minutes to read and understand it. I was
not against the question for the ballot, but I was worried there might be a tax
increase hidden in it. If I return and I'm in the majority, I will fight to make
all bills and conference reports dealing with fiscal and tax issues be in print
for at least 6 to 12 hours before a vote so the legislators and the public know
what is in them.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO
on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for
the exact same version of Senate
Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? ANSWER: YES.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
No.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful
homeowner property tax cap amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St.
Joseph County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Yes I do plan to
vote for SJR 1.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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: Only if these taxes
would be to reduce the property taxes. I believe we need to find a new way to
tax for local governments other than property taxes.
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.
Actually we should only use 90% of the projected revenues when preparing the
Budget. A bill was passed that is now law that only 99% of the projected
revenues can be used in planning the next budget.
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: YES.
I still believe we need to do away with property taxes and replace them with
something else that is fair to all.
4.
BACKGROUND:
Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners
would 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: This Idea of full day Kindergarten should be a local decision. If
they choose to do it or only decide to have some full day and some half day
classes that is the locals choice. The state should still pay what the funding
formula calls for. This should not be put on the property taxes. Would need time
to study what would be fair to all.
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: I can not say. I would hope that we would not need
to increase the gas tax. Whom is to say. I promise that as long as I'm there we
need to keep the money from the toll rd being used for roads and the interest
from the trust fund with the gas tax is suppose to pay for the up Keep.
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: I believe that is what
is planed, the extra money would be a toll road for those who use it and
from the Federal gov't.
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 if it can be paid for with what we have plus,
what the Fed's will provide. If not enough then let the people who use it pay
for it.
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? ANSWER: I voted for the
repeal of property Taxes. I would love to find a fairer way to pay for the
expense of Gov't. I'll work towards that goal. The more I look at taxes
the more I like the idea of either a sales tax
or just a flat tax with no deductions so everyone will pay.)
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote AGAINST several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special
session vote AGAINST a 20% gas tax increase
(from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective 01/01/03.
4. Special
session vote AGAINST a phased-in shift of the inventory
tax to (1) all other types of property through an increased property tax rate
and (2) a tax on the income of individuals (in those counties
choosing to do so) through the establishment or increase of a County Economic
Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1-2. DID NOT VOTE
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
State Representative District 23:
J. Christopher Rahe (Uncertain)
Address: 11495 SR 331, Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 342-3812
E-mail: chris@dervishdesign.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Kerry "Worly" Worthington (suspended his campaign on September
20 in the wake of his arrest on drug charges)
2119 Spear St.
Logansport, IN 46947
Phone: (574) 722-1000
E-mail: worly_13@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 24:
Timothy J. Banter, Jr. (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of the Problem)
465 South Private Rd 1010 East
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 860-9474
E-mail: bantert@hotmail.com; banterforstaterep@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.campaignwindow.com/banterforstaterep24/index.cfm
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): I do
not support amending the state constitution to cap homeowners' property tax
bills at 1 percent of assessed valuation; rental and agricultural property at 2
percent; and business property at 3 percent. I think that it is foolish to rely
so much on sales taxes to principally fund state services. With the economy
being in bad shape, consumers will spend less. If people curtail their spending,
this will mean that less tax revenues will be generated. This is just one of
many reasons why I oppose the property tax caps. I believe there are other ways
that the state can provide property tax relief and reform.
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.
Richard (Rick) Eller (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
503 S. Raleigh Road
Galveston, IN 46932
Phone: (574) 699-7853
E-mail: Richard.Eller@insightbb.com
Website:
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):
Firstly, all tax rates should be the same. Any tax constitutionally has to be
deemed fair and equitable. This plan is not. We have tried caps and relief
measures since the 1970s. They will never work. The plan does not include public
debts. The only solution is property tax elimination.
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? RESPONSE: I would support a standard growth
rate for two years on all state agencies. For example, if revenues are projected
to be up 3% each year, then a cap of 2% annual growth on all departments. This
would exit politics out of this next biennial budget.
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? RESPONSE: None
of the above. I have proposed an elimination of property taxes over a ten year
period. A shift to sales, income, and possibly even license plates.
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? RESPONSE: No.
Major Moves was designed to close the 2.8 billion transportation gap.
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? RESPONSE: Yes, and we need
to keep promises associated with Major Moves.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? RESPONSE: www.electrichardeller.com
Richard W. (Rich) McClain (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 2135 South Ridgeview Way, Logansport, IN 46947
Phone: (574) 652-2895
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1003, which uses state K-12
tuition support money to fund scholarships for nonpublic school students and is
Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic private and parochial schools are not
equally open to all children, (2) nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a
directly elected public body, (3) evidence-based research does not support
greater school choice as a means to achieve overall educational improvement, (4)
it is very likely unconstitutional, and (5) state tuition support dollars would
go to nonpublic schools that are not uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful
homeowner property tax cap amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St.
Joseph County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Yes, I
plan to vote for SJR 1 in 2009.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Not at this time.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Mindi Fisher McMillan (Uncertain)
8475 E 500 S
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone:
(317) 769-3830
E-mail: mindimcmillan@rocketmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 25:
Jeb Bardon (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 4351 Lafayette Road, Suite E, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: (317) 924-9025
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships
for nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
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.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Joint Resolution 1
to deny voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A YES
vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A
NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution beginning 2012 to
include a cap on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted NO on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2. Special session vote AGAINST several tax increases that will
increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote AGAINST a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per
gallon) effective 01/01/03.
4. Special session vote AGAINST a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1)
all other types of property through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax
on the income of individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
NOTE: Until Candidate Bardon voted against
House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion of the General Assembly special session,
his rating was consistently Taxpayer UNfriendly.
All his 2002 tax votes in the regular session were for tax increases. On June 6,
2002, Candidate Bardon voted for a House version of HB 1001 (SS) that would have
increased revenues $2.8212 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005. There
is every indication that his final vote against HB 1001 (SS) had nothing to do
with the fact that it was not revenue neutral. In other words, he does
NOT favor a revenue-neutral approach where
the needs of state government can be met WITHOUT tax rate and fee increases.
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Josephine R. Coleman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 3144 N. Norfolk Street, Indianapolis, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 293-1597
E-mail: electjo@sbcglobal.net,
jorcoleman@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.geocities.com/electjo@sbcglobal.net
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.
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: Homestead deduction s/be indexed to
housing price index.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of
Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners would cost $210 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. This would not
result in much extra instruction time.
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: YES. We are obligated to
maintain the interstate highway system and we want to encourage development of
clean diesel fuel from coal gassification. Higher gas prices will bring
better alternatives than diverting our food crops of corn and soybeans.
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: Keep the trust fund and
get private equity to build I-69 or improve US41.
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: NO.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Shane Evans (Uncertain)
609 Ripley Road
Delphi, IN 46923
Phone: (765) 490-3452
E-mail: smevans12@wabash.edu
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from the Carroll County Comet at http://www.carrollcountycomet.com/news/2012-02-29/Local_News/Two_want_to_unseat_Lehe_in_State_House.html):
I am in favor of more government rather than less.
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.
Franklyn Voorhies (Uncertain)
416 N. Indiana St.
Delphi, IN 46923
Phone:
(574) 297-6485
E-mail: FranklynVoorhies@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 26:
Connie Basham (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 1450 W. 500 S., Lafayette, IN 47909
Phone: (765) 538-2403
E-mail: clbash@tctc.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 2,
2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium
Budget. I have pledged to my district voters
that I will not support any tax increase. I
also have pledged that I will will help in the effort
to identify wasteful items in agency budgets (ALL agencies) and
work to eliminate those. Just as a business cannot spend more money than it
brings in, so should government operate in the same manner. The state
legislature owes it to Indiana citizens to operate responsibly and cut spending,
rather than heaping a greater load onto the backs of taxpayers. Let's chip away
at the deficit and STOP drawing from dedicated funds to "balance the
checkbook."
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. This
is a big question! I have said I would be in favor of total elimination of
property tax, if we were able to devise a revenue-neutral formula for income and
sales taxes. In speaking with constituents,
the overwhelming majority would support such a move. I do support
a deferral program for seniors and the disabled. Until
assessment standards are in place in every county, and a firm method of
assessing value is determined, I am opposed to ANY increase in taxes. If we give
permission for a 2% annual cap, we'll most certainly SEE a 2% increase.
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville
Interstate. While I do believe an interstate
extension from Indianapolis to Evansville would be advantageous to the state and
the entire region, it is obvious Indiana cannot
dedicate the billions of taxpayer dollars necessary (at least at the present
time, when we're basically bankrupt) to begin the project - let alone complete
it. If all units of government concur that we cannot afford to wait
until the state is out of debt before we begin work, then yes, I would
support a toll road. Many, many roads and bridges are constructed
around the nation and around the world, using a toll-collecting procedure.
Should Indiana be any different? With tolls, as with sales taxes, the
users are the ones who pay, without breaking the backs of those who will never
use the road.
4. Additional Comments. I am prepared
to challenge other legislators to participate in an extensive review of all
state agencies, to determine which ones are meeting the needs of our
citizens and which ones are not operating effectively and/or efficiently. I'm
convinced there is room for massive reform/reorganization of state
government. Again, we owe it to the taxpayers to protect their hard-earned
dollars and to guarantee a leaner, friendlier government. Obviously, a state
with lower taxes will welcome new business and industry and will ensure a
greater tax base, keeping taxes lower. As a two-term County Council member, I
have long been supportive of a gasoline tax, rather than a wheel tax. A wheel
tax is inherently unfair, and I have opposed it on three occasions
during my tenure. I would certainly be supportive of a
revenue-neutral shift of gasoline sales tax proceeds from the General Fund to
road improvements. I support school choice and the use of per-pupil
tax dollars moving with the child. My opponent is against school choice and
would support elimination of the Charter School Fund in order to fund full-day
kindergarten across the board. In addition, my opponent has advocated an
increase in taxes for cigarettes, alcohol and gasoline. He also supports a
graduated income tax, while I support a flat rate income tax. He supports
additional regulation on communications companies, while I support lesser
regulation (to enhance competition and ensure lower cost to the consumer). He
supports massive additional funding for education, and I advocate holding the
line on all expenditures until the state's budget is balanced, as it was in 1996
and '97, when Republicans were in control of the House.
Rick Cornstuble (Uncertain)
1012 Surrey Lane
Lafayette, IN 47909
Phone: (765) 474-4638
E-mail: rickcornstuble@aol.com
Website: http://www.rickcornstuble.com/2012/09/donnelly-visits-union-labor-day-in-park.html
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I propose that full day
kindergarten be made available to all kindergarten-aged children and that,
rather than have a separate line of funding, those kindergarten students be
added to the regular student count for the purpose of funding. Any taxpayer who
wishes to know how his/her tax dollars are being spent by public schools can do
so. Not so with charter schools. If a bill is introduced to address this
egregious oversight, I will work to see it passed, and if no bill is introduced,
I will endeavor to introduce and pass one. The State of Indiana has a
significant interest in ensuring that Purdue University has the funding and
support necessary to fuel its progress and to strengthen its impact the world
over.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Joe Micon (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 6806 Armstrong Chapel Rd., West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 423-2691
E-mail:
Websites: http://www.joemicon.com/
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap
takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local
option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions
that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill
401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted themselves
a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working
family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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. Did not respond to the
Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
John Polles (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
1611 Sheridan Road
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 497-1282
E-mail: jspolles@comcast.net
Website: http://dlcc.wiredforchange.com/o/5913/p/10021/
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.
Eric A. Thiel (Uncertain)
12 Circle Lane Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 430-8598
E-mail: eric@dcwi.com
Website: http://dcwi.com/~eric/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 27:
Chuck Hockema (Taxpayer
Friendly)
137 Prophet Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 208-9321
E-mail: info@chuckhockema.com
Website: http://www.chuckhockema.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: The State currently has too many tax revenue
streams. I advocate reducing the number of different taxes that are collected.
Each additional type of tax brings more oversight, additional administrative
costs, and compliance difficulties. More revenue streams provided through a
variety of taxes also make it difficult for people to understand the total tax
burden they feel in their wallets. I believe there are a large number of our
residents who are not even aware that they are paying an Indiana State gas tax and
additional sales tax every time they go to the pump. The main theory behind gas
tax is that those who use the road should pay for their upkeep and construction.
However, all Hoosiers benefit from the use of the transportation system in
Indiana. Even those who do not drive are shuttled to and from schools, use
public transportation, receive deliveries from online purchases; services are
brought to their homes, etc. Any potentially negative tax collection effect from
people in adjacent states that cross our border to fill up their tank (which has
practical limitations) and people passing through would be mitigated by the
additional economic boost to Indiana. While demand for gas is fairly inelastic,
I would still expect higher demand for Indiana fuel and a very positive overall
effect on all business and family budgets. We can ensure that the State’s
transportation needs are being fully met through general taxes collected. The
accounting would be simpler, more difficult to manipulate, and more transparent
to the public.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: The state should not be collecting taxes not needed to carry
out their constitutional duties.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes,
unless the tax burden can be reduced more.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I am a little conflicted on this question and would like to research the subject
more. While local control is often best, each county should make an informed
decision as to whether they need another layer of government and its
corresponding time and money requirements. There are many townships that have
managed the needs of their people with very little funding and are able to draw
on volunteers in their respective communities. Eliminating volunteer fire
departments, for instance, is not likely to save money through consolidation.
The State should allow each of these counties to reform townships if they so
choose.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: I am in favor of public oversight, but believe these
commissions would be unnecessary if the business climate in Indiana were as good
as it can be. Companies I have owned and operated had many opportunities to do
business in ways that would generate funds from the Redevelopment Commission,
but I have never found a scenario where it made enough business sense to
participate. I will focus on reducing taxes and regulations that impede good
economic growth.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I studied economics and finance as part of my business management degree
from Purdue. I received the University’s highest academic distinction and have
created and operated successful businesses in my district since my sophomore
year in college. In 2002 I went back to school and received a law degree. My
years of real world legal and business experience, including working on school
choice legislation, helped me advocate for business and fiscal responsibility
and make me the most taxpayer friendly candidate.
Jan Payne (Uncertain)
800 S. 22nd St.
Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
E-mail: info@wabashvalleytrust.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Jack Rhoda (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 4182, Lafayette, IN 47903
Phone: (765) 477-0240
E-mail: jack@jackrhoda.com
Website: www.jackrhoda.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 28:
Jason Ellis (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
86 Kensington Ct.
Pittsboro, IN 46167
Phone: (317) 289-3005
E-mail: jmellis4@tds.net
Website:
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: I support the
Constitutional amendment for the 1 per cent tax
cap. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
Yes.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I look forward to serving my district.
I pledge to be a voice of the wishes and concerns of the citizens of district
28.
Wade Mitchell (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
910 S. Lebanon St.
Lebanon, IN 46052
Phone: (317) 363-0850
E-mail: VoteWadeMitchell@gmail.com
Website:
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: I do pledge
to vote for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008. However, I pledge to vote for this
legislation only as the best current alternative being offered. If elected I
plan to work toward the elimination of taxes on primary residential property. I
believe that while a 1% cap is a good start the assessments still may fluctuate
changing the actual dollar amount to be paid by Hoosiers. Simply changing the
percentage does not protect Hoosiers from sudden rises in property taxes. Until
we stop residential property taxes no Hoosier will ever own their property.
RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
This plan is a start but leaves the door open for the recent issues to
happen again. The problem recently was not the percentage of the tax; it was the
sudden jump in the value of the assessments. Lowering the percentage now does
help, but if the assessments rise again, then the amount the taxpayer must pay
will also rise. It would have been better to cap the value of the property than
to adjust a percentage, but the only real solution for Indiana homeowners is to
eliminate the residential property tax. A better compromise might be to limit
assessments to the purchase or refinance price of the property. Assessments that
are far beyond the price the property could be sold at are outrageous and must
be examined closely.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: My candidacy is devoted to personal responsibility, fiscal
responsibility, smaller government, and lower taxes. If elected I will work to
eliminate unnecessary government, promote personal responsibility, reduce
government sponsorship of programs of entitlement, eliminate the idea that the
government should care for you from cradle to the grave, and ultimately reduce
the tax burden on all Hoosiers. As a fiscal conservative, I hope that you would
support my positions and campaign and I appreciate your interest in my
candidacy. I am always happy to answer the questions of Hoosiers, especially
those who take an active interest in Indiana politics. I look forward to working
with Watchdog Indiana and any group who advocates lower taxes and citizen
oversight of government taxation and spending. I applaud your efforts and hope
you and organizations like yours hold all candidates and lawmakers to task. We
are all in this together. I
would be happy to answer any questions.
State Representative District 29:
Greg Marchant (Uncertain)
Address: 8669 Lantern Farms Drive, Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: (317) 594-0020
E-mail: gregmarchant@insightbb.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Steven R. Powell (Taxpayer
Friendly)
106 Westminster Drive
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone:
(317) 776-9326
E-mail: mypowellforthehouse@yahoo.com
Website:
www.mypowellforthehouse.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Once a month I receive a statement from my
bank. I sit down and go through each item and make sure that I have accounted
correctly and BALANCE my account. There should be no reason that we as a State
can not do the same thing. I agree that the 2013 - 2015 State Budget should be
balanced where current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues.
In order to do this there may need to be times where a delayed and or one-time
transfer may be needed, but I would be extremely cautious in approving these
types of actions, and would consider them as a last resort action. I also agree
with maintaining a 5% reserve balance.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: I would support the
Indiana gas Tax Reform Plan.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Even though the possibility of a Tax refund was lessened, I
would be in favor of maintaining the current excess reserves at 12.5%.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I
am in favor of maintaining the Homestead Standard/Supplemental deductions
without any changes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I would support placing the public question "Shall the township government
be retained?" on the ballot in every county as part of a township
government reform.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: Government needs to be transparent, and the general public
should be well informed about how and where their tax dollars are being spent.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I support Government that exists within its means. I support smaller
Government that allows businesses to create jobs. I support a balanced State
budget. Facebook: My Powell for the House.
Joseph L. (Joe) Weingarten (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
14066 Deer Stone Lane
Fortville, IN 46040
Phone: (317) 598-1026
E-mail: mrmac@aol.com; indiana4joe@gmail.com
Website: www.indianaforjoe.com
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 don't think they went far enough in the changes
and to be very frank, I don't trust our current elected leaders. There is
something very fishy about voting again and again. Too many chances to kill this
off. Note- I would like to see this changed to when you buy your home, the price
you pay becomes the appraised value and never changes until you sell. At the
time of purchase you pay a 1% tax and then every year thereafter you pay a 1%
tax. No changes ever, no increase. 1% forever every year. If a bank can make a
loan for 30 years, the state should be able to live within the same budget. No
more appeals, no more government employees working in this area, it's all gone,
just 1%. No one claiming the market value of your house has jumped. No one being
forced out of their homes because the market value went up and so did taxes. How
simple can you get. Also they still have not done the hard part trim the
government. It's time to work to finish what they started, I am just afraid they
will start going backwards once the election is over. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): The
idea of a constitutional amendment sounds good. It sounds like our state leaders
will protect us now and forever, until the problem becomes a big issue in, say
10 years, and we’re back to trying to change the constitution once again.
Moreover, who is going to protect us from escalating assessments? What is to
prevent an assessor from deciding your home is suddenly worth a lot more and tax
you accordingly? A lot of people in this state recently suffered from a
significant increase in the assessed value of their home due to “trending,”
resulting in higher property taxes, even though the bottom pretty well fell out
of the housing market. Higher caps on rental property means, simply, renters
will be paying higher rents to cover the increase. Higher caps on farmland
means, simply, we all will pay more for agricultural products. Higher caps on
businesses means, simply, we all will pay more for goods and services. These are
hidden taxes we are all going to pay. The constitution
should not be amended. This is simply a “feel-good” measure that
will end up standing in the way of any future changes to Indiana’s tax system
to make it much more reasonable and equitable. HEA 1001 is untested legislation.
Many of the components sound good and hopefully will provide the intended
results. But, as we all know, more often than not legislation has unintended
consequences. Hardening the legislation with a constitutional amendment would
only make it that much more difficult to fix, not to mention stand in the way of
true tax reform.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I am running against Ms. Kathy Richardson who has held
this office for 16 years and I believe has forgotten that she is the
representative of the people and not the government. I know this year we are all
saying it's time for a change, well in this case its long overdue. Please go to
my website for positions on various topics.
State Representative District 30:
Ron Herrell (Uncertain)
Address: 5100 N. 50 East, Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 457-8842
E-mail: rdh1_98@yahoo.com
Website:
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Jason C. Miller (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
1208 W. Taylor St., Unit B
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 236-0307
E-mail: millerfor30@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.jasonmiller30.com/
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: I pledge to
vote for the exact same version of SJR1 if elected.
We must not let this historic and crucial opportunity slip by due to partisan
politics. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
Yes, if we can't eliminate property taxes all together.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
John Smith (Uncertain)
Address: 1910 Valerie Court, Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 455-2616
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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.
Chuck Sosbe (Uncertain)
1715 S. Courtland Avenue
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 438-8293
E-mail: chuck@sosbe.net
Website: http://www.sosbe4rep.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
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 Representative District 31:
Timothy W. Harris (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 1707 W. Lakeview Drive, Marion, IN 46953
Phone: (765) 674-0668
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed the Indiana Senate 40-7 and
the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and was signed by the Governor on
March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana Constitution to cap homeowners'
property tax bills at 1% of assessed value, rental and agricultural property at
2%, and business property at 3%. For property taxes first due and payable in
2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner property tax cap
that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior
to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in
Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52% homeowner
cap in St. Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and
St. Joseph counties must become 1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1
that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the
1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate
those who are part of the property tax relief solution from those who are part
of the property tax spending problem. A General Assembly candidate
who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part
of the solution, otherwise the legislator is part
of the problem. 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.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint
Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful homeowner property tax cap
amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the
Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For property taxes first due and payable
in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner property tax cap
that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior
to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in
Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St. Joseph
County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must
become 1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put
the 1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot.
We the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate
those who are part of the property tax relief solution from those who are part
of the property tax spending problem. A General Assembly candidate
who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part
of the solution, otherwise the legislator is part
of the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint
Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Absolutely I will vote
for the Resolution again. It is the key to long term relief.
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? HAS NOT
RESPONDED.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap
takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local
option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions
that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill
401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted themselves
a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working
family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. I will not support reserve depletions
that take money from pension funds, etc. I believe state agencies
have become too big and will support spending cuts.
Allowing taxpayers to keep more of their money will cause economic growth.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. I
believe we should eliminate property taxes in Indiana. Property tax stalls
development. I like the proposed tax deferral program
provided the budget will allow it. The fact of the matter is, if we allow
Hoosier taxpayers to keep more of their money, tax revenues will increase and we
will cause economic growth. I would support either property tax cap, the lower
the better.
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville
Interstate. I support construction of the interstate,
especially for economic development purposes. I would
not favor a tax increase. I would consider a
toll road. I would need to look more closely at the budget.
4. Additional Comments. I pledge to you, that if elected, I will work hard on
tax restructuring and the elimination of property tax. We can become a tax and
policy-friendly state which will attract new business development. This will
mean more jobs for your friends as well as mine in Blackford and Grant Counties.
I have enjoyed serving our community through various boards and local government
positions. These leadership experiences have prepared me well to represent you
in the Indiana General Assembly.
Larry R. Hile (Uncertain)
Address: 2521 N 100W, Hartford City, IN 47348
Phone: (765) 348-1434
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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.
Katie Morgan (Uncertain)
910 W. Spencer Ave.
Marion, IN 46952
Phone: (765) 669-0356
E-mail: morganforindiana@gmail.com
Website: http://morganforindiana.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Joe Pearson (Uncertain)
Address: 0180 W St Rd 18, P.O. Box 149, Hartford City, IN 47378
Phone: (765) 748-6052, (800) 382-9842 State House
E-mail: H31@in.gov; joepearsonhd31@gmail.com
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/pearson_index.html;
http://www.pearsonforindiana.com/
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
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 32:
State Representative District 33:
Bill J. Davis (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 210 Williams Drive, Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-9564
E-mail: lpi@jayco.net
2013 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which is Taxpayer Friendly because the 2013-15 state budget makes
better use of the existing state Gasoline Tax and state Sales Tax revenues from
gasoline purchases with NO NEW TRANSPORTATION TAX INCREASES to increase
transportation funding for INDOT by 11%, cities and towns by 34%, and counties
by 23%.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1011, which is Taxpayer Friendly because
construction of a costly light rail transportation system cannot be approved by
a new central Indiana transit district before March 14, 2014.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1117, which was Taxpayer UNfriendly because it created the possibility
for a minority of county income tax council members representing a minority of
the county population to impose a county-wide motor vehicle excise surtax and
wheel tax.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1313, which is Taxpayer Friendly because it (1) supports the
establishment of a 2013 interim committee to study local government regulation
of residential leases and (2) prohibits a local government from adopting
regulations for landlord licensing, mandatory landlord classes, and rental
inspection and registration fees until July 1, 2014.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 319, which is Taxpayer Friendly because it prevents a significant shift
of the property tax burden to farm working families by (1) using the current
soil productivity factors until 2015 and (2) requiring the Department of Local
Government Finance to confer with the College of Agriculture of Purdue
University and submit a 2013 interim study committee report on soil productivity
factors.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the
Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make refunds more likely, (b) kept as
it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you
pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead
Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government
reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment
commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1003, which uses state K-12
tuition support money to fund scholarships for nonpublic school students and is
Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic private and parochial schools are not
equally open to all children, (2) nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a
directly elected public body, (3) evidence-based research does not support
greater school choice as a means to achieve overall educational improvement, (4)
it is very likely unconstitutional, and (5) state tuition support dollars would
go to nonpublic schools that are not uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for
the exact same version of Senate
Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? ANSWER: I will
vote for SJR 1 again just like I did last year. I worked hard for
property tax relief. I'm not going to quit now.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Not at this time.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 4, 2004 Primary Election,
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4,
2004, Primary Election
1. We should never spend more than the projected income for any budget
period. I believe the republican party has suggested not
appropriating more than 99% of revenues projected. I would favor this
type of restraint. As a person who has never ran for public office or had access
to detailed budget information, I do not feel qualified at this point to make
decisions on where cuts should come from.
2. I think we should study
alternatives for property tax replacement.
3. I support removing the state police and
any other non-highway departments from the use of gas tax revenue. All gas tax
revenue should be used for highway construction and maintenance. Exempting
gasoline from sales tax and increasing the gas tax would help make sure all
taxes generated from the user would go directly to highway funding.
4. Interstate highways play a major role for
economic development. If we are going to stay competitive with other states for
development we must be aggressive in the development of our infrastructure.
While it may be necessary to increase taxes
for this type of construction, we are also creating jobs during the construction
and hopefully improving the area for opportunity in the future.
5. My e-mail address is lpi@jayco.net.
Ron Liggett (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: 7483 South 1000 West, Redkey, IN 47373
Phone: (765) 369-2402
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 2,
2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2. Special session vote AGAINST several tax increases that will
increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote AGAINST a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per
gallon) effective 01/01/03.
4. Special session vote AGAINST a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1)
all other types of property through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax
on the income of individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
NOTE: Until Candidate Liggett voted against
House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion of the General Assembly special session,
his rating was consistently Taxpayer UNfriendly.
All his 2002 tax votes in the regular session were for tax increases. On June 6,
2002, Candidate Liggett voted for a House version of HB 1001 (SS) that would
have increased revenues $2.8212 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30,
2005. On June 22, 2002, Candidate Liggett stated before the House that he
was voting against HB 1001 (SS) because there was not enough gas tax increase
for economic development and the bill was "tilted towards business at the
expense of individuals. There is every indication that his final vote against HB
1001 (SS) had nothing to do with the fact that it was not revenue neutral. In
other words, he does NOT
favor a revenue-neutral approach where the needs of state government can be met
WITHOUT tax rate and fee increases.
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Andy Schemenaur (Uncertain)
572 S. 600 E
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-6783
E-mail: andy@andyschemenaur.com
Website: http://andyschemenaur.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. 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 34:
Theodore (Ted) Baker (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
4904 North Sollars Drive
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: (765) 744-6956
E-mail: tbaker9037@aol.com
Website: www.electTedBaker.org
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 the fall 2008 General Election, I
pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version SJR 1 that passed in 2008.
RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
If elected, I would vote for the current bill so the issue can be given to
Indiana voters. If made into law, individuals would see definite property tax
relief. I am, however, concerned that if the 2 percent and 3 percent caps go
into place for rental/agricultural property and business property, this could
hurt renters, farmers, and small-business owners.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: If elected, I will work hard on behalf of the taxpayers of
Indiana.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: If elected to the Indiana
House of Representatives this fall, I pledge to vote
for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009. I am an advocate for continued
property tax relief and will work hard to continue this cause. I believe this
issue needs to be brought to a public vote for a permanent change to the Indiana
Constitution.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I have been in private business for the past 28 years and
have owned a manufacturing business for 11 years (sold this past November) and
currently own two retail businesses. My experiences in business and job
creation have motivated me to try to make a difference in Indiana. I am
very optomistic concerning Indiana's future. We have so many great
resources and opportunities before us.
Karen Brand (Uncertain)
1216 S. Mound
Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Carrie Dillard-Trammell (Uncertain)
Address: 4201 S. Pinewood Drive, Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765) 286-0004
E-mail: carrietrammell@goowy.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Adrian Leavell (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 1514, Muncie, IN 47308
Phone: (765) 287-9788
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Gilbert T. Lumsey (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1019 E Willard
Muncie, IN 47302
Phone:
E-mail:
Website:
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.
Brad Oliver (Uncertain)
4205 N. Redding Rd.
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: (765) 717-0996
E-mail: bradoliver2012@gmail.com
Website: http://bradoliver2012.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I believe that
Indiana's economy grows best when we reduce the growth of government spending,
reduce taxes, and reduce government regulation on business and industry.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): We must give teachers
the tools they need to be effective and allow parents to have alternatives when
their local schools aren't demonstrating results. I support the development of
an accountability system to measure the effectiveness of teacher and school
leader preparation programs in our state. A bipartisan interim study committee
is currently studying Indiana's Department of Child Services and I will support
legislation that protects Hoosier children and promotes healthy families.
Dennis A. Tyler (POLITICAL
HOG)
4300 N. Manchester
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: (765) 748-3353
E-mail:
Website:
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO
as a member
of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on a bill that
combined the following local government reforms passed by the Senate in SB 348,
SB 452, SB 506, and SB 512: (1) develop and approve a Library Services Plan by a
Public Library Service Planning Committee (with an "opt out"
referendum provision) in every county (except Marion County) to help more
effectively use working family dollars currently spent on library services (with
the option to equitably replace public library property taxes with a county
economic development income tax); (2) prohibit employees
of a local government unit from serving as elected officials within the same
local government unit; (3) move the elections of municipal officers to
even-numbered years; (4) move all school board member elections to the November
general election in even-numbered years; (5) establish the use of vote centers
as an option for all counties; (6) require a city clerk-treasurer in a third
class city to attend fiscal officer training provided by the state board of
accounts; (7) allow a single County Chief Executive Officer or County Manager;
(8) allow the County Council or the Board of County Supervisors
to exercise both the fiscal and legislative powers of the county;
(9) provide for voter-initiated referendums on county government
reorganization; (10) repeal the requirement that political subdivisions must
approve local government reorganizations initiated by voters; (11) assign the
Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations four responsibilities
to identify and monitor good local government practices; (12) prohibit
County Manager nepotism; (13) repeal unproductive reporting requirements;
(14) continue to elect the County Assessor; (15) abolish on January 1, 2013,
each township board in every county (other than Marion County) and make the
county fiscal body also the fiscal body and legislative body of each township;
(16) require a township when formulating an annual budget to consider whether
the part of the ending balance in each township fund in excess of 10% of
budgeted expenditures should be used instead of imposing additional property
taxes for the ensuing year; (17) prohibit a relative of a township officer or
employee from being employed by the township in a position that would put the
relative in a direct supervisory or subordinate relationship with the officer or
employee; (18) require a township trustee's annual report to list separately
each expenditure to reimburse the trustee for the trustee's public business use
of personal property; (19) require each township office to include the address,
phone number, and regular office hours (if any) of the township office in at
least one local telephone directory; (20) prohibit a public meeting or a public
hearing of a township official or governing body from being held in a private
residence; (21) require the State Board of Accounts to submit an annual township
examination report to the executive director of the Legislative Services Agency
and to county councils.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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. RECORD (November 3, 2009, E-mail): I voted for HB 1001-2008 which first
put these caps in statute, as well for SJR 1-2008 which was the first step to
amending these caps into the Indiana constitution. I am in favor of the property
tax caps, and if the constitutional amendment
comes to the House Floor for a vote, I will vote in favor of amending the
property tax caps into the constitution.
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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
David Walker (Taxpayer
Friendly)
2819 E. Jackson
Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: (765) 288-1084
E-mail: DWalker4rep@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: (a) Yes.
(b) Maybe. (c) No.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? No.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Improved.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
Calumet Township had such a referendum approximately seven years ago, and the
citizens voted to retain township government. I support this mandate.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: I favor the municipalities' finance
body ratifying decisions of a redevelopment commission where there is a
significant fiscal impact.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: No.
Mike White (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: Muncie, IN
Phone: (765)
E-mail:
Website:
(Mike White was selected by precinct committee members on December 29, 2011,
to fill the Indiana House seat given up by a Muncie Mayor-elect.)
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
State Representative District 35:
LeeAnn Mengelt (Taxpayer UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
4900 N 925 W
Yorktown, IN 47396
Phone: (765) 759-9469
E-mail: mengeltfamily@sbcglobal.net
Website:
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.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Melanie Wright (Uncertain)
8001 West Cornbread Road
Yorktown, IN 47396
Phone: (765) 623-8284
E-mail: votemelaniewright@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 36:
Tomerial Brooks
1903 Tamarack Rd.
Anderson, IN 46011
Phone: (765) 640-5040
E-mail: tomerial@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Frank Burrows (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
1630 VanBuskirk Road
Anderson, IN 46011
Phone: (765) 644-7619
E-mail: Voteburrows@gmail.com; chiefburrows@gmail.com
Website: http://www.voteburrows.com/
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 I
pledge to vote for SJR 1 as passed in 2008.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
James R. "Jim" Lycan (Uncertain)
215 E. 66 St.
Anderson, IN 46013
Phone: (765) 602-0702
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November
6, 2012, General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Francie Pyburn Metzger (Uncertain)
Address: 925 West Main Street, Elwood, IN 46036
Phone: (765) 552-3275
E-mail: fpm@insightbb.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Greg Noland (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of the Problem)
836 Charlene Lane
Anderson, IN 46011
Phone: (765) 644-0656
E-mail: noland3@mindspring.com
Website: http://gregnoland.com/
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): I
really prefer that property taxes be repealed in Indiana. However, we have a
long way to go to get there. The problem I have with this bill is the percentage
should be the same for all types of property. The other political parties use
business taxes to hide the real tax burden you and I pay. There is one party
especially that seems to think we should heavily tax our evil businesses (the
ones that create the jobs for us). Let us think about this. A business is there
to make a profit, not to create jobs for us. Most businesses even want to see a
certain return on their investment, otherwise they would just leave the money in
the bank and draw interest. When a business, say a bakery, has an increase in
the cost of flour, then bakers raise their prices to you and I to cover the
increased price of flour, so they can continue to make a profit. What do you
think the business will have to do when we raise taxes to them? The same thing!
They have to raise their price to us so they can continue to make a profit. So
who really is paying the 3 percent taxes we charge businesses? We are, but we
cannot see it because it is hidden in the cost of the things we buy. We live in
a global economy. Our Indiana businesses are competing against companies all
over the world. A company in another country that has a small amount of taxes to
pay has a competitive advantage. Sometimes on high-volume parts only a few
pennies can make the difference between getting the order (and the jobs) or not.
This country taxes its businesses at a higher rate than most all of the
countries in the world. This translates into lost orders for the businesses and
lost jobs for us.
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 37:
Debbie Driskell (Uncertain)
111 Creekside Lane
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: (317) 501-7222
E-mail: Debbie@debbiedriskell.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Kelly S. Gaskill (Taxpayer
Friendly -
Part of the Solution)
16 E. 29th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: (765) 374-3945
E-mail: local663kelly@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.kellygaskill.com/
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: I plan to
support constitutional caps on property tax as passed by the current
legislature. I don't think that the work stops
there. We have to chip away at the property tax at every opportunity until it is
gone. I want the voters to have an opportunity some day to amend our state
constitution to abolish property taxes altogether.
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 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.
(Roofer) Robert Jozwiak (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of the Problem)
P.O. Box 2111
Anderson, IN 46011
Phone: (765) 642-2651
E-mail:
Website:
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): The
constitution should be amended to eliminate all property tax. I prefer a
consumption tax combined with a flat income tax. The first $50,000. in
individual earnings should be exempt. Taxing agricultural land at 2% is a hidden
tax, because it will only be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher
food prices. A 3% tax on business property is foolish. Businesses will decide to
set up operations in other states where the property tax is less. Businesses
operating in other states will not be hiring Indiana residents. Businesses that
already have operations here will be less inclined to improve or expand their
facilities.
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.
Scott E. Reske (Uncertain)
Address: 910 South Broadway Street, Pendleton, IN 46064
Phone: (765) 778-2019
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
DID NOT VOTE on
"Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2. Special session vote FOR
several tax increases that will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1,
2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Greg Valentine (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
52975 – 800 W
Lapel, IN 46051
Phone: (765) 534-4532
E-mail: greg.valentined37@yahoo.com
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 will pledge
to vote for most of the provisions in this resolution once modified. I
cannot honestly vote for the bill the way it currently reads.
As a farmer living on the 1853 Homestead my family and I have farmed since then,
I believe the 2% agriculture land rate is just doubled. I believe it should be
1% just like our homes and improvements. I also cannot support this bill if
our schools are destined to suffer. I just met with our local school
administrators, and they are very worried at this point. If I thought for
one minute an ample portion of the additional 1% sales tax would be distributed
to our schools, I could support the bill. I believe it will be like the gambling
profit portion that was supposed to help support our schools a few years ago and
never be seen as it was originally presented. Most of the folks I know and
support feel this entire 2008 session was pushed beyond the limits by our
governor. Did we really gain anything at this point? Some tax relief in counties
where the taxes were high. I agree with most taxpayers in Madison County, that
in my county we have no tax problem. I personally attended several days of
testimony by the Ways and Means Committee. I was actually sick to my stomach
after the way most of the concerned citizens and elected officials who testified
were treated. I saw no committee members listening to legitimate concerns of my county
commissioners, auditors or sheriff's who testified. I have not found one single
school administrator or one business person who feels our governor knows the
magnitude of what he has crammed down the taxpayer's throats. No,
I will not vote for this bill as it currently reads.
I'm all for lesser taxes, but not at farmers,
schools, townships, municipalities and county administrators expense.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I have been married to Patty for 37 years. We have 4 sons. I just
retired after over 43 years of service from General Motors. I retired as a
Sr. Project Facilities Engineer. I am a veteran of
the U.S. Air Force Reserves. I am a NRA life member. I have served on numerous
county, regional and state committees. I have been a 4-H Leader since 1986. I
also farm and have lived all my life on an 1853 Homestead in Madison County. I
will continue to support agland preservation throughout Madison County as well
as throughout Indiana. If elected in November, I will author agland preservation
incentives. I also would author legislation to stop involuntary annexations in
this state. I have been involved in GOP politics,
township and local government for many years. I believe in giving back to the
community a part of what it has given me over the last 6 decades. My wife is
serving her 18th year on our local school corporation board. I
am motivated to enhance education in our state. I support the Indiana DOE's P-16
proposal. I would like to introduce legislation designed to reward our high
school graduates who take their education to the next level with
apprenticeships, internships and other personal educational enhancement
programs. I would like to financially reward our students to remain in this
state and work. I am a 36 year GOP precinct
committeeman and current township chairperson. I am
in my third term as Green Township Trustee/Assessor. I believe the best
ally a taxpayer ever had just got knocked out of their position by legislators
who have no clue of our job description. I attained the Level 1 and Level 2
certification before the state mandated it in 2006. I am currently getting ready
to attend classes and begin working on my Level 3. Many of us take our assessing
jobs to heart and very seriously. I am one of 3 township assessors in my county
of 14 assessors who have these levels. Whether elected in November or not, I
will continue to support county and township government remaining as-is. After
reading the Kernan-Shepherd Blue Ribbon Report, I believe it was obviously
compiled by folks who never lived financially from one week to the next.
They obviously never had to ask for Township Assistance. If by chance the
township trustee is eliminated in the 2009 sessions or in later years, the
financially challenged taxpayers of this state will truly suffer. Lives
will definitely be lost during the winter months. I see folks every week
who just live from day to day, not knowing what tomorrow will bring to them and
their families. I feel so strongly, I recently co-sponsored opening a community
food pantry. I organize annual job fairs in my community. I have the
determination, combined with the experience to educate the public in
the everyday need to maintain township government. Public safety in the areas of
Fire, EMS and Fire Rescue are areas where most of our legislators have no
expertise. I will never support the K-S Blue Ribbon Report when they
propose merging fire territories, or proposing one county governing body or one
county commissioner. Public safety is not something
I take lightly. I believe it is insane to consider the thought of eliminating
the one caring and knowledgeable person a needy person has in their
township. I'd invite any taxpayer to visualize a walk in the
shoes of the township trustee as they assist the single mothers who are trying
hard to survive. It is real folks. Very real. I
suggest a common sense approach by letting the 2008 tax breaks sink in for
a few years before we jump in and change things we have no certainty of how it
could impact the taxpayers of our great state.
State Representative District 38:
David E. Brown (Uncertain)
8455 E 50 S
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 435-6995
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Jacqueline "Jacque" R. Clements (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 2000 Southridge Drive, Frankfort, IN 46041
Phone: (765) 654-5150
E-mail: jacque.clements@yahoo.com
Website:
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
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. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
I will support Senate Joint Resolution 1
to allow the question to become a referendum.
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.
Bob Snow (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
1586 Fox Fire Lane
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 455-1966
E-mail: matrobpaul@comcast.net
Website:
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.
Stephen A. Wilson (Taxpayer
Friendly)
406 Venetian Way
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 459-5692
E-mail: wilsonslta@sbcglobal.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes,
I believe the state government should be responsible and manage its
"checkbook" just like Hoosier families. Delayed payments, especially
to the public schools, can increase the operating costs. They have to take loans
at varying interest rates from the commercial banking system to meet financial
obligations.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Improved. If the state has excessive reserves, especially
above 10%, then the taxpayers should receive a refund, not a credit on the
following year's taxes. If the state has pressing needs, like roads or bridges
in need of prompt repair, then perhaps a referendum could be used to let the
taxpayers decide to take a large sum of money to make the repairs quickly and
forego the refund. I could also see the state using reserves above 10% to
capitalize the pension funds to make them financially stable.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
With so many families struggling to keep their homes, the loss of these
deductions would increase property taxes. This could potentially lead to more
foreclosures and extend the economic struggles of so many families in the state.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I would like to see the matter go the voters rather than being resolved by the
state legislature. I believe local control is paramount in delivering the best
use of the taxpayers' money. It is not fair to struggling families when
townships are accumulating money beyond what is needed to pay for services.
There should still be a seamless emergency response system available in each
county to respond rapidly when needed. There should also be robust communication
systems maintained between surrounding counties to best serve the citizens in
the region. Tornadoes certainly do not recognize county lines.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: Much like my answer to #5, I believe
local control is the best way to oversee and use the taxpayers' money. This
would lend a level of transparency which should lead to more accountability of
spending the funds.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: My website is still under construction.
State Representative District 39:
Savail Majid (Uncertain)
Address: 4305 Worchester Court, Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 730-4245
E-mail:
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.
Rusty Skoog (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of
the Problem)
5764 Coopers Hawk Drive
Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 846-6325, (317) 710-1416
E-mail: skoogforrepresentative@hotmail.com
Website: http://rustyskoog.com/default.aspx
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): All
this will do is tie the hands of the legislators, not allowing them to respond
to the situations at hand.
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 - 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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
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.
John Strinka (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
11218 Green St.
Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 333-9689
E-mail: strinkaforstatehouse@gmail.com;
Hoosiersocialist@gmail.com
Website: http://www.strinkaforstaterep.org/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): State government is
capable of making jobs to provide meaningful employment such as repairing
infrastructure, cleaning up vacant housing , providing social services -
imitating New Deal programs on a smaller state scale. Enable
all who qualify to attend State Universities and Colleges without individual
cost. Reverse cutbacks in education ,
DCS, and other essential services. Fund social services to the degree they need
to be to be effective. I would advocate what many consider extreme: A
progressive income tax structure on state and federal levels that would increase
very gradually until about $250,000 annual/income, and then very sharply
increase above that. Maximum rates would be constrained on the state level by
the actions of other states, but a return to the federal 90% top marginal rate
of the Eisenhower years would be an appropriate goal. I would propose developing
measures for a consumption tax, which could then be made progressive. I would
consider how carbon taxes might be made progressive. I would restore inheritance
taxes, eliminate preferential rates for non-earned income, and scrutinize tax
abatements very very carefully to assure public benefit from any such abatement.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I stand committed to
living wage legislation for Indiana. Given current standards, I would estimate
that wage to be approximately $16.00/hour. End privatization and for-profit
charter schools. Allow teachers freedom to teach without constraints of high
stakes testing.
State Representative District 40:
Dave Berryman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
6849 Windsong Court
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: (317) 852-3932
E-mail: daveberryman@aol.com
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):
Thirty-five years after Gov. Otis Bowen, M.D., signed property tax relief
legislation, Gov. Mitch Daniels signed new property tax relief legislation. Both
property tax relief attempts began with good intentions; however, both failed to
permanently solve our tax issues. It is time to seriously work toward
eliminating our property tax system.
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? 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.
John E. (Sam) Follis II (Uncertain)
781 Millbrook Drive
Avon, IN 46123
Phone: (317) 605-7813
E-mail: john@follisforstaterep.com
Website: http://www.follisforstaterep.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): The attacks and
defunding of Education must stop. Our children need to have the best programs in
the Country. Cutting funds from Education does not fix deficiencies in the
system.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Jon Marquess (Uncertain)
Address: 7385 Oakview Drive, Avon, IN 46123
Phone: (317) 919-9703
E-mail:
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? RESPONSE: Do not want any tax increases at
this time. As far as cuts, I will not seek any cuts in schooling except possibly
administration and no cuts in police or fire departments.
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? RESPONSE: I
favor a mixture of tax increases. Would like to see as I have heard the
elimination of property taxes, but not sure how the lost revenue would be made
up.
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? RESPONSE: No No No
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? RESPONSE: Don't feel there is a need
for such a new highway, but I would need some data to come to a
proper conclusion about the situation.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? RESPONSE: I would like to
help people on unemployment. And I would like to change the state law that makes
us an employment at will state.
Zachary (Zach) Rice (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 963
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: (317) 286-3137
E-mail: zach@zachrice.com; jbmax3238@tds.net;
jtlmiller@aol.com
Website: www.zachrice.com
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.
Nicholas G. Schmutte (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
1675 N CR 600 E
Avon, IN 46123
Phone: (317) 745-4076
E-mail: nschmutte@earthlink.net
Website:
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race):
Without the constitutional provision, it is likely the cap will not be adhered
to. Assessed valuation is still very subjective. The current spate of
foreclosures/sheriff sales has lowered property values, but the assessed values
have not been lowered. The caps are not a perfect solution, but they help.
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.
Matthew D. (Matt) Whetstone (POLITICAL
HOG)
Address: P.O. Box 290, Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: (317) 852-5463
E-mail: H40@ai.org, mwhetstone@indy.rr.com
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place. Legislator Comments: I'm sorry
to inform you of my retirement this summer from the legislature, unfortunately.
I worked 11 years as a legislator and never saw a salary increase. Those whom I
left behind, deserve every dime, I voted for in an increase. The legislature has
turned into a full time job, on a part time salary. The public demands constant
attention and should get it, we should increase those salaries and require a
full time commitment by those serving. Citizens expect you to respond 365 days a
year not just part time. Let's change the system to recognize the time and
sincere efforts of our legislators.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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? RESPONSE: my voting record
speaks for itself...please read the
journal for you answers.....
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. DID NOT RESPOND to Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
State Representative District 41:
Tim Stewart (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - DESPICABLE)
449 Greenacres Drive
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 366-8695
E-mail: timstewart765@yahoo.com;
gstewart@tctc.com
Website:
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.
James Stytle (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
601 Tuttle Avenue
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 361-8556
E-mail:
Website:
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.
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. Local
governments should have the ability to seek alternative funding that eases the
burden on property owners.
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: It should continue if local governments are given an
alternative means of raising school funding.
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: YES. The money should come from the
state reprioritizing where it spends its finite resources.
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: NO.
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: NO.
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: NO.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 42:
F. Dale Grubb (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 9, Covington, IN 47932
Phone: (765) 793-3648
E-mail: floydgrubb@aol.com
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted NO on
House Bill
1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships for
nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted for the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property Tax
Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in
teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
for the 2004-05 state budget where the property
tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was reduced
by the so-called Homestead Credit "correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Jeffrey McCoy (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: P.O. Box 433, Montezuma, IN 47862
Phone: (765) 245-0806
E-mail: mccoy3434@yahoo.com
Website: http://jeffreymccoy.net/
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: NO.
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.
Hoosiers should demand that their elected officials be responsible with their
hard earned money.
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: YES.
Homestead is a valuable program for any home owner.
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? ANSWER: YES. The budget
is balanced with a $160 million surplus to fund full-day kindergarten. There
should not be an increase in taxes or a cut in any other program.
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: NO.
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: YES.
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: NO.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I will dedicate myself to keep government spending in check and not
allowing the state to run into a deficit like we have seen the past 16
years. Hard working Hoosiers should expect no less out of their elected
officials.
Jim Meece (Uncertain)
301 N. US Hwy 41
Bloomingdale, IN 47832
Phone: (765) 498-1811
E-mail: jimmeece@cebridge.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Mark C. Spelbring (Uncertain)
902 Northwood Drive
Rockville, IN 47872
Phone: (765) 569-8444
E-mail: mspelbring@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.markspelbring.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): The FIRST thing the
state MUST DO is fix their half-billion dollar accounting errors!
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Some reforms to local
government deserve careful consideration because times have changed but the goal
should be to IMPROVE local government. For instance, the state could help
support a training academy for candidates and elected officials to help them
learn to do a better job so they can be more efficient.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I will work to focus
attention on the former Newport army depot property and leverage this mega-site
to bring business and jobs to District 42 while also seeking to protect our
environment. I will vote to repeal the divisive right-to-work legislation. The
property taxes on farmland are rising rapidly and will keep going up, having a
dramatic effect on land owners. Any proposed regulation of agriculture must be
studied to assure benefits outweigh the costs.
Bill Webster (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5191 S. Coxville Rd.
Montezuma, IN 47862
Phone: (765) 569-2385
E-mail: bill@billwebster.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the
November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state
budget be balanced? Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12
education, the possibility of a statewide income tax increase, and whether
reserve funds should be replenished. ANSWER: We
should live within our means. I will not vote to raise taxes. K-12 is always a
high priority. Yes, reserve funds should be replenished.
3. QUESTION: Do
you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead
Supplemental Deduction without ANY change to help homeowners control their
property tax burden? ANSWER: YES!
4. QUESTION:
Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is
required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER:
YES!
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional
comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Please join us on Facebook Bill
Webster State Senate and visit our Website.
State Representative District 43:
Ryan J. Cummins (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
420 Meadows Ct
Terre Haute, IN 47803
Phone: (812) 236-6402
E-mail: rjcusmc@msn.com; candidate@cumminsforindiana.com
Website: www.cumminsforindiana.com
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 to the state legislature in House District 43, I
intend to vote yes on SJR 1. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
History and experience show that the legislative and executive branches
of the respective governments do not control spending. The incentives inherent
in our governmental system work against frugality and thrift in the operation of
government. Because of that, the constitutional caps are necessary. I
would support caps at these levels (1, 2 and 3 percent). There is no
reason, other than political considerations, that residential,
rental/agricultural, and commercial property is treated differently. In the
future, I would work to equalize constitutional caps in property taxes.
Constitutional caps are not the ironclad safeguard that many citizens might
think. Past legislatures and executives have not adhered to the language of the
constitution of our state as they swore to do. For a good discussion of this,
see the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of the Indiana Policy Review. It is available
at www.inpolicy.org (registration is free, but required).
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: Persons interested in understanding the positions I take on issues will
find information to do so at my website.
John Cunningham (Uncertain)
1356 Tippecanoe Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 223-3847
E-mail: johncunningham1973@yahoo.com
Website: http://jc43.org.p9.hostingprod.com/home
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Maintain our balanced
budget by proposing & passing a "Balanced Budget Amendment" to our
Indiana State Constitution.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): End ISTEP testing.
Propose a state bill, making our local superintendent of public education an
elected office, with a 2 year, 2 term limit. Promote local employment by
promoting education, training, "Localization" programs, and traveling
to promote local products and services. Propose and pass a state bill to END "Eminent
Domain" at the state level.
Bobbi Ann McPeak (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 3221, Terre Haute, IN 47803
Phone: (812) 234-6033
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 44:
Duane W. Conover (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
9648 East Keep Lane
Rockville, IN 47872
Phone: (765) 344-1772
Cell: (219) 677-4227
E-mail:
Website:
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.
Darrell Goldman (Taxpayer
Friendly - Part of the
Solution)
4725 N County Road 25 W
Bainbridge, IN 46105
Phone: (765) 522-2622
E-mail: dgoldman@indy.tds.net
Website:
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: After reviewing SJR 1, I would have to say I
would support it. The only thing better would
be no property tax. I believe that if we can reduce the size and cost of our
government and tax burden, the method of collecting those taxes starts to be
much less important. A consumption tax or flat income tax would be most
attractive to me. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
This would be an improvement. The Libertarian Party of Indiana is at the
forefront of the battle to eliminate or reform property tax laws in the state.
Proposed in the early 2000’s, the Libertarian Party activists proposed a
sensible alternative for moving Indiana away from unconstitutional taxes. The
plan, designed for incremental change, allows for equitable assessment of
property based upon square footage in three classifications: residential,
industrial/commercial and agricultural. The eventual goal for most in the party
is the elimination of the tax.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
Nancy A. Michael (Uncertain)
Address: 330 Highfall Ave., Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-6213
E-mail: nancymichael@cinergymetro.net
Website: www.nancymichael44.com
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
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. RECORD (October 30, 2009,
Greencastle Constitutional Property Tax Caps Discussion Panel): Representative
Michael stated that she is undecided whether or not to vote for SJR 1.
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 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):
No.
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.
Amos P. Thomas (Uncertain)
Address: 33 West National Avenue, Brazil, IN 47834
Phone: (812) 448-8860
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and was
signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana Constitution
to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value, rental and
agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For property taxes
first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a
homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020,
existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner
gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of
these two existing debt service exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in
Lake County and a 1.52% homeowner cap in St. Joseph County. The homeowner caps
for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become 1% in
2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the
General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap
amendment on the 2010 ballot. We the people can then vote to make the 1%
homeowner property tax cap a permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never
has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the property tax
relief solution from those who are part of the property tax spending problem. A
General Assembly candidate who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in
2009 is part of the solution, otherwise the
legislator is part of the problem. 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.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint
Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful homeowner property tax cap
amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the
Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For property taxes first due and payable
in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner property tax cap
that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior
to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in
Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St. Joseph
County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must
become 1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put
the 1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot.
We the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate
those who are part of the property tax relief solution from those who are part
of the property tax spending problem. A General Assembly candidate
who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part
of the solution, otherwise the legislator is part
of the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap
takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local
option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions
that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill
401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted themselves
a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working
family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Andrew P. Thomas (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Richard Thompson (Uncertain)
9122 E. 900 S.
Brazil, IN 47834
Phone: (765) 672-8217
E-mail: circlet@ccrtc.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from The Brazil Times at http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/1898697.html):
I am against charter schools, and believe public schools should be fixed and
improved instead. Charter schools take money from public schools.
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): I
feel that this amendment puts too much strain on the farmers and lower- to
middle-class citizens. The higher-class taxpayers benefit more than most.
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 - 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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 45:
Mike Bledsoe (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 719, Farmersburg, IN 47850
Phone: (812) 696-2650
E-mail: mbledsoe2411@aol.com
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Bruce Alan Borders (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: RR1, Box 174B, Jasonville, IN 47438
Phone: (812) 665-2072
E-mail: bruceb@cebridge.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: I used the concept and
some information from the "Indiana
Gas Tax Reform Plan" in one of my in-depth
campaign ads to present my proposal on how to fix more Hoosier roads,
streets, and highways without raising gasoline taxes a cent!
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1376, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer
refund excess reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier
working families will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every
even-numbered year instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which uses state K-12 tuition support money to fund scholarships
for nonpublic school students and is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic
private and parochial schools are not equally open to all children, (2)
nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a directly elected public body, (3)
evidence-based research does not support greater school choice as a means to
achieve overall educational improvement, (4) it is very likely unconstitutional,
and (5) state tuition support dollars would go to nonpublic schools that are not
uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Joint Resolution 1, which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend
the Indiana Constitution to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps
permanent and (2) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal
challenge.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR 1
Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions that
preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 396, which mandates an adjusted six-year average that eliminates the
highest value to calculate the base rate for the assessment of agricultural
land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001 SS, the 2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides
enough resources for good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier
working families from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A
NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional
Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing levels of Indiana
government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where most board
members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be established
WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.Voted NO
on Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new
tax-imposing levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted
powers where most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers'
community, to be established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.Voted
NO on Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts,
which are new tax-imposing levels of Indiana government controlled by boards
with unrestricted powers where most board members have no real connection to the
taxpayers' community, to be established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and was
signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana Constitution
to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value, rental and
agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For property taxes
first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner
property tax cap that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing
debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross
assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two
existing debt service exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County
and a 1.52% homeowner cap in St. Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and
St. Joseph counties must become 1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that
passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We the
people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a permanent part
of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are
part of the property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property
tax spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to vote
for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of the
problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact
same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? ANSWER
(06/14/2008): I WILL vote 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 (06/14/2008): Not at this time.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from
the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY.
The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake and St. Joseph
counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes effect in
2020.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be
used to replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the
property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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. Did not respond to the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November
5, 2002, General Election. See the Candidate Questionnaire for the May
7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 5,
2002, General Election
1- 5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1-3. DID NOT RESPOND
4. I'm a conservative Republican running on the platform that the spending
is excessive, and that no new taxes are
necessary. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Rick Marshall (Taxpayer
UNfriendly -
DESPICABLE)
3170 E. Lindsey Lane
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 882-8629
E-mail:
Website:
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 46:
Larry D. Barker (Uncertain)
4494 W. Lynwest Dr.
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812) 272-2869
E-mail: BarkerForMonroe@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
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.
Reid Dallas (Uncertain)
Address: P.O. Box 2P, Stinesville, IN 47464
Phone: (812) 369-1714
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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;
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.
James R. (Jim) Mann II (Uncertain)
5 E. Gateway Dr.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 462-4252
E-mail: Amspectra1@msn.com; 4Mann6@gmail.com
Website: http://jimmann.org/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from The Brazil Times at http://www.thebraziltimes.com/story/1898697.html):
I am against charter schools and believe they take money from public schools. I
believe those who home school their children should not get a tax break.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Charles "Chuck" Toth (Uncertain)
4500 E. Paint Mill Dr.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 243-4090
E-mail: Membermail@liuna.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Vern Tincher (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Address: P.O. Box 158, Riley, IN 47871
Phone: (812) 894-2750
E-mail:
Website:
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Joint Resolution 1 to deny voters statewide the opportunity to amend the
Indiana Constitution to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent
and (2) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR 1
Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions that
preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted NO on Senate
Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 396, which mandates an adjusted six-year average that eliminates the
highest value to calculate the base rate for the assessment of agricultural
land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO
on House Bill 1001 SS, the 2009-2011 special
session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for good government AND
(2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families from state and local tax
increases. A YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer
Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of
state government.
Voted NO as a
member of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on a bill that
combined the following local government reforms passed by the Senate in SB 348,
SB 452, SB 506, and SB 512: (1) develop and approve a Library Services Plan by a
Public Library Service Planning Committee (with an "opt out"
referendum provision) in every county (except Marion County) to help more
effectively use working family dollars currently spent on library services (with
the option to equitably replace public library property taxes with a county
economic development income tax); (2) prohibit employees
of a local government unit from serving as elected officials within the same
local government unit; (3) move the elections of municipal officers to
even-numbered years; (4) move all school board member elections to the November
general election in even-numbered years; (5) establish the use of vote centers
as an option for all counties; (6) require a city clerk-treasurer in a third
class city to attend fiscal officer training provided by the state board of
accounts; (7) allow a single County Chief Executive Officer or County Manager;
(8) allow the County Council or the Board of County Supervisors to exercise both
the fiscal and legislative powers of the county; (9) provide for
voter-initiated referendums on county government reorganization; (10)
repeal the requirement that political subdivisions must approve local government
reorganizations initiated by voters; (11) assign the Advisory Commission on
Intergovernmental Relations four responsibilities to identify and monitor good
local government practices; (12) prohibit County Manager nepotism; (13)
repeal unproductive reporting requirements; (14) continue to elect the County
Assessor; (15) abolish on January 1, 2013, each township board in every county
(other than Marion County) and make the county fiscal body also the fiscal body
and legislative body of each township; (16) require a township when formulating
an annual budget to consider whether the part of the ending balance in each
township fund in excess of 10% of budgeted expenditures should be used instead
of imposing additional property taxes for the ensuing year; (17) prohibit a
relative of a township officer or employee from being employed by the township
in a position that would put the relative in a direct supervisory or subordinate
relationship with the officer or employee; (18) require a township trustee's
annual report to list separately each expenditure to reimburse the trustee for
the trustee's public business use of personal property; (19) require each
township office to include the address, phone number, and regular office hours
(if any) of the township office in at least one local telephone directory; (20)
prohibit a public meeting or a public hearing of a township official or
governing body from being held in a private residence; (21) require the State
Board of Accounts to submit an annual township examination report to the
executive director of the Legislative Services Agency and to county councils.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General
Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and was
signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana Constitution
to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value, rental and
agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For property taxes
first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a
homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020,
existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner
gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of
these two existing debt service exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in
Lake County and a 1.52% homeowner cap in St. Joseph County. The homeowner caps
for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become 1% in
2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the
General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap
amendment on the 2010 ballot. We the people can then vote to make the 1%
homeowner property tax cap a permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never
has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the property tax
relief solution from those who are part of the property tax spending problem. A
General Assembly candidate who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in
2009 is part of the solution, otherwise the
legislator is part of the problem. QUESTION:
Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint
Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? ANSWER: YES.
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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to include a cap
beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap
takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local
option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions
that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General
Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for
the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total.
HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax
Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill
401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted themselves
a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working
family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
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. See the Candidate
Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7, 2002,
Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax
(Business Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to uphold the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 so Indiana General Assembly members
will remain covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
State Representative District 47:
Ralph M. Foley (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: P.O. Box 1435, Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (765) 342-3031
E-mail: ffplaw@comcast.net
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1003, which uses state K-12
tuition support money to fund scholarships for nonpublic school students and is
Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic private and parochial schools are not
equally open to all children, (2) nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a
directly elected public body, (3) evidence-based research does not support
greater school choice as a means to achieve overall educational improvement, (4)
it is very likely unconstitutional, and (5) state tuition support dollars would
go to nonpublic schools that are not uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
RECORD (10/14/08 Indiana
Family Institute Voter Guide): Strongly
favors passing the constitutional amendment on
property tax reform again next year (must pass two sessions) so it can go on the
November general election ballot for a vote.
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 Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful
homeowner property tax cap amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St.
Joseph County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. 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.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? 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.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on
"Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for the May
4, 2004, Primary Election, November
5, 2002, General Election, and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4,
2004, Primary Election
1. Voted AGAINST
the 2004-05 state budget where General Fund and Property
Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current revenue totals for the
eighth straight year. The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension
Stabilization Fund transfers, which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher
retirement funds.
2. Voted AGAINST
the 2004-05 state budget where the property tax relief promised to homeowners in
the 2002 special session was reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Did not vote during the 2002 special session when the gas tax was increased
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon).
4-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1. VOTING RECORD: DID NOT
VOTE on House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion of the General Assembly special
session. RESPONSE: Yes, state government needs
can be met without any more tax and fee increases through at least
June 30, 2005.
2. VOTING RECORD: DID NOT VOTE on House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion
of the General Assembly special session. RESPONSE: If a last-resort tax
or fee increase becomes necessary to solve a problem, a revenue-neutral,
dollar-for-dollar decrease in another tax or fee would be the first preference.
3. VOTING RECORD: DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion of the General Assembly special session. RESPONSE:
I support the revenue-neutral approach of exempting gasoline sales from the
sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by another 5 cents, with
the proceeds going directly to the General Fund.
4. VOTING RECORD: DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1001 (SS) at the conclusion of the General Assembly special session. RESPONSE:
General warehousing has been hit hard. It should be exempted 100% now from
the inventory tax (the same as inventory used in the production of finished
goods that qualify for an interstate commerce exemption). Studies conclude that
additional economic activity is generated by the elimination of the inventory
tax (a holdover from the days of the horse and buggy). The
new revenue created by the additional economic activity would "pay"
for the revenue lost from eliminating the counterproductive inventory tax.
5. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1. Voted on February 4 AGAINST
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1004, which did not
have enough Property Tax relief in return for a 20% Sales Tax rate increase,
imposed a new Business Franchise Tax (Business
Activity Fee) based on net worth, and increased
revenues $2.683 billion more than taxes would have been reduced
through June 30, 2004.
2. Voted on February 5 FOR
the Indiana House of Representatives version of HB 1317, which would have raised
the Gasoline Tax from 15 cents per gallon to 16 cents during 2003 and
17 cents after 2003.
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. DID NOT RESPOND to Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
Chris Grider (Uncertain)
862 Glendale Drive
Franklin , IN 46131
Phone: (317) 437-0180
E-mail: cgrider3473@yahoo.com; GriderForDistrict47@gmail.com
Website: http://griderfordistrict47.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): I support the repeal of
Right-to-Work. I want to work with Republicans and Democrats to attract good
jobs; careers. I believe it starts with vast improvements in education (pre-k,
k-12, colleges, vocational schools and apprenticeships), infrastructure
improvements, serious conversations on mass transit, and an environment that is
friendly for business and for people of all cultures.
Mark Meadows (Taxpayer
Friendly)
6202 E. Roselyn Dr.
Mooresville, IN 46158
Phone: (317) 641-3945
E-mail: mark@electmarkmeadows.com
Website: http://www.electmarkmeadows.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: The answer is A and C. After a reserve
balance is reached the current year appropriations should be kept in balance.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER:
Absolutely.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Improved, after the 5% reserve it should all be sent back.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I
do pledge to maintain both the Homestead
Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
I supported the Foley plan last session to consolidate local government and the
placing of an executive of the county.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: Redevelopment commissions should be overseen by an elected
official who has the power to stop any over reach of revenue generation and be
accountable to the public for which he was elected by.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: Please see my website or give me a call or email me for more info.
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.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: The state needs an immediate cut in spending of 8%
across the board. Government should live within its means like everyone else.
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? RESPONSE: I
believe the only way to curb spending is not from the top down but from the
inside out. I propose a new way of finding waste in government by letting the
people who see it everyday, the office workers, managers and bookkeepers, and
everyone else down the government food chain get a share in the money they find.
If some one shows us where to save 1 million dollars of money that was going to
be wasted by duplication or an obsolete program, then that person should receive
10% thats 100 thousand dollars they have earned, by saving us the other 900 k .
These employees have no incentive NOT to spend our money; lets help them, help
us all. And I believe that a government that governs least governs best. It’s
only common sense.
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? REPONSE:
freezing at current levels.
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? RESPONSE: Absolutely
not. The last thing we need is to reduce
spendable income from the public.
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? RESPONSE: I’m afraid the decision for
building this unneeded road was made long ago. Now its time for the dog and pony
show. If its going to be built I would only support
the tolling of it over the new part from
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
John T. Young (Uncertain)
40 W. Court St., Ste. D
Franklin, IN 46131
Phone: (317) 878-5212
E-mail: ted@indianacriminaldefenseteam.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 48:
Jerry Brewton (Taxpayer
Friendly)
9733 Old Port Cove
Bristol, IN 46507
Phone: (574) 202-7975
E-mail: JerryBrewton@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Absolutely.
Appropriations should never exceed revenue. And government shouldn’t play
games by delaying payments. Even a 5% reserve may not be adequate if we were
faced with a combination of inflationary increases and an unexpected reduction
in revenue.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: We need more transparency in government. I’d
heard of this convoluted flowchart, but had not been able to locate a copy until
you provided the above link. I will strongly support
legislation to clear this up….as long as the net effect is not a tax increase.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: Without a doubt the ATR should at least be maintained…and
improved upon, if possible. Under no circumstance should it be eliminated. For
me the larger question will be in determining what amount of reserve is
reasonable.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: If
we must have property tax then we must have these deductions. The
only change I would possibly support would be to increase the deductions to
lower the tax impact to our citizens.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
Ultimately this is a decision that must be made by the people. I personally
support any change that increases the efficiency and effectiveness of
government. In many cases I suspect that would mean consolidating some services
from the township to the county level. But again…it is a decision that would
ideally be made by those who pay for those services.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: Oversight by the elected legislative
body will increase accountability. Without such oversight we end up
with a bureaucracy that is not responsive (or responsible) to the people.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: Unlike my opponent….I would NOT have been one of only four Republicans
to vote AGAINST school choice. As a small business owner of nearly 40 years I
understand what it means to be on the receiving end of government interference
and red tape. We need business people in government, not bureaucrats and career
politicians. We also need to consider term limits even at the State Rep level.
John P. Hardy (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of the Problem)
54507 David Drive
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: (574) 264-2868
E-mail: johnphardy@yahoo.com; john@hardy4staterep.com
Website: http://www.hardy4staterep.com/
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. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): I
believe this can be done without a constitutional amendment. I am not totally
against it.
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 - 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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Dan Morrison (Uncertain)
53979 Wintergreen Ct.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: (574) 370-1062
E-mail: politics1492@gmail.com
Website: http://www.danmorrisonforcongress.com/about_dan
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November
6, 2012, General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): The budget needs to be
slimmed down and distributed to the right programs. Expenditures should be
strictly reviewed and only allocated to programs that establish benefits for
all. The State also needs to increase revenue. Selling the Toll Road was a short
term fix, and we need more revenue sources to help balance the budget. Tax hikes
and cuts are not the solution, it's balancing the budget just as a small
business does. As a State Representative, I will work with leading business men
to establish more sources of revenue, aiding in balancing the budget.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): The school system in
Indiana distributes money unfairly, giving children in poor locations an unfair
chance at success. We need to balance the dispersal of funds, giving all
children a fighting chance. Also, we need to bring in a personal touch from the
teachers, and it is nearly impossible with a class room size of 20 or more
children. Colleges, Junior Colleges, Trade Schools & Technical Schools must
begin to offer specialized preparation so that their graduates are ready for the
"new" job market.
Lorell Nihart (Uncertain)
Address: 25799 Lake Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: (574) 264-2512
E-mail:
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.
Randall Ty Weinley (Uncertain)
22268 Farmwood Dr.
Bristol, IN 46507
Phone: (574) 612-3092
E-mail: outlaw1965427@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 49:
Mike Puro (Uncertain)
Address: 1602 S. 8th Street, Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (574) 533-2664
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Greg Sell (Uncertain)
Address: 60788 CR 27, Goshen, IN 46528
Phone: (574) 533-3020
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
James E. Teall (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
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.
Vince Turner (Taxpayer
UNfriendly - Part of the Problem)
1715 Berkey Ave.
Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (574) 533-3994
E-mail: vtbashor@aol.com
Website: http://www.vinceturner08.com/
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: No.
I support a 1% cap on all property ... not just residential.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I believe the 1-2-3 cap will severely
hamper the state's efforts to attract and retain business and industry. We need
to find a way to rely less on property taxes overall ... which is why I support
1% across the board.
John D. Ulmer (Uncertain)
Address: 130 North Main Street, Goshen, IN 46526-0575
Phone: (219) 533-5884
E-mail:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1, which contains a meaningful
homeowner property tax cap amendment to the Indiana Constitution, passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% cap in Lake County and a 1.52% cap in St.
Joseph County. The caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. SJR 1 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We
the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a
permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the
property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax
spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to
vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the
solution, otherwise the legislator is part of
the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Yes, because SJR 1
is the foundation for immediate and permanent property tax relief.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Not at this time.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate
Joint Resolution 1, which amends the Indiana Constitution to
include a cap beginning 2012 on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed
value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is
exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph
counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake
and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until their 1% cap takes
effect in 2020.
Voted YES on
House
Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by
2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase
in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and county-wide local option income taxes will be used to
replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax
caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer
Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722
billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the
$26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead
credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and
$250 million in 2008.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1)
Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013
with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit
Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006
has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new
local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future
property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace
property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax
to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier
working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and
utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a
corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local
option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted NO on House
Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing
fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund,
which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the
General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate
Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted
themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier
working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid
lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator
pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an
excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they
should not have in the first place.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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?
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2006 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on "Major
Moves" House
Bill 1008, which authorizes the Indiana Department of Transportation to
enter into public-private agreements with private entities (operators)
concerning tollway projects for I-69 between Martinsville and Evansville. HB
1008 also authorizes the Indiana Finance Authority to enter into public-private
agreements with operators for the Indiana Toll Road.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, a residential property tax reduction bill that increases the
homestead credit for one year in 2006 to 28% and the homestead standard
deduction for one year in 2007 to $45,000. Beginning in 2007 for Lake County and
2008 for all other counties, HB 1001 also establishes a cap on residential
property taxes equal to 2% of the assessed value of the residential property.
2005 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House
Bill 1001, the budget bill that included seven significant homeowner
property tax increases.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1120, which contained thirteen negative tax impacts including a
regional Food and Beverage Tax to finance a new Colts stadium.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
2, 2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07
Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND. Record:
Voted AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where
General Fund and Property Tax Replacement Fund spending totals exceed current
revenue totals for the eighth straight year.
The 2004-05 state budget also includes Pension Stabilization Fund transfers,
which worsen the $8.5 billion shortfall in teacher retirement funds.
2. Opinions
on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: Voted
AGAINST the 2004-05 state budget where the
property tax relief promised to homeowners in the 2002 special session was
reduced by the so-called Homestead Credit
"correction."
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND. Record: See
the Candidate Questionnaires for
the November 5, 2002,
General Election and the May
7, 2002, Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November
5, 2002, General Election
1-2.
Special session vote FOR several tax increases that
will increase revenues $1.7782 billion from July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.
3. Special session vote FOR
a 20% gas tax increase (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon) effective
01/01/03.
4. Special session vote FOR
a phased-in shift of the inventory tax to (1) all other types of property
through an increased property tax rate and (2) a tax on the income of
individuals (in those counties choosing to do so) through the
establishment or increase of a County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT).
5. DID NOT RESPOND to General Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 7,
2002, Primary Election
1-2. DID NOT VOTE
3. Voted March 13 to override the Governor's
veto of HB 1083 in an effort to keep Indiana General
Assembly members from being covered by the state's Public Access Laws.
4. Did not receive Primary Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General Election.
State Representative District 50:
Terry R. Abbett (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1541 Avon Place
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 356-4163
E-mail: clabbett@hotmail.com
Website:
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.
Felix F. Aguilar (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 2066 Little Turtle Trail, Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (401) 261-0622
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: NO.
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.
Unless emergency funds are spent to deal with major disasters, acts of war, etc.
That's why we need a rainy day fund. See my answer to Question #8.
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: Other.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000
kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. 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: NO.
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: YES.
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: Don't know enough of the details.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: I favor a law similar to Colorado's TABOR Act. This would create a
"rainy day" fund to deal with natural disasters. Tax
increases could only be put into effect with the approval of a majority of
voters. Fixing taxes at current levels forces government to go on a
spending diet. If government requires tax increases it must make its case
directly to the people for their approval.
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 50th 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.
Gary L. Snyder (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1747 Cherry St.
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 479-7006
E-mail: snydergaryl@yahoo.com
Website:
www.garylsnyder.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: While I
do/will support for SJR 1, I am for the
complete elimination of property taxes.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Not at this time.
Mike Wallin (Uncertain)
9757N 200 W - 90
Markle, IN 4670
Phone: (260) 438-5887
E-mail: liechtyamy@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 6, 2012,
General Election
1. QUESTION: What are your priorities regarding the 2013-2015 state budget?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the Automatic Taxpayer Refund law be (a) improved to make
refunds more likely, (b) kept as it is, or (c) eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 51:
Aaron Claudy (Uncertain)
6160 S 800 W
Pleasant Lake, IN 46779
Phone: (260) 475-5908
E-mail: aclaudy@re-comm.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current
year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no
delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at
least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s
Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so
more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our
transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or
eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and
the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT
RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions
oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Richard A. (Dick) Dodge (Taxpayer
Friendly)
Address: 555 W. Parkway Drive, Pleasant Lake, IN 46779
Phone: (260) 475-5585
E-mail:
Website:
2012 General Assembly Voting Record
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1003, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) public access to
government meetings and records is improved and (2) it is less likely that
public agencies will intentionally violate the Public Access Laws.
DID NOT VOTE on House
Bill 1005, which contains six Taxpayer Friendly local government Conflict Of
Interest provisions and sixteen Taxpayer Friendly local government Nepotism
provisions.
DID NOT VOTE on
House Bill 1376,
which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) the automatic taxpayer refund excess
reserves trigger is increased from 10% to 12.5% and (2) Hoosier working families
will possibly receive an automatic taxpayer refund every even-numbered year
instead of every year.
2011 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House
Bill 1001, which includes among its 16 Taxpayer Friendly state budget
provisions no tax increases and an operating surplus in both the 2012 and 2013
fiscal years with a satisfactory reserve balance on June 30, 2013.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1002, which is Taxpayer Friendly because (1) charter schools have the
potential to help increase the academic growth of lower socioeconomic students,
(2) the number of Indiana nonprofit private colleges and universities authorized
to create charter schools is limited, (3) the Indianapolis mayor is the only
Indiana mayor who may authorize charter schools, (4) conversion from a public
school to a charter school is sufficiently stringent, and (5) property taxes are
NOT improperly used to support charter schools.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1003, which uses state K-12
tuition support money to fund scholarships for nonpublic school students and is
Taxpayer UNfriendly because (1) nonpublic private and parochial schools are not
equally open to all children, (2) nonpublic school budgets are not approved by a
directly elected public body, (3) evidence-based research does not support
greater school choice as a means to achieve overall educational improvement, (4)
it is very likely unconstitutional, and (5) state tuition support dollars would
go to nonpublic schools that are not uniformly distributed throughout the state.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1022, which would have implemented a number of Taxpayer Friendly local
government provisions related to nepotism and officeholder conflict-of-interest.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1074, which provides that school board members selected by election
must be elected at November general elections and is Taxpayer Friendly because
the greater voter turnout in general elections will make it more difficult for
local vested interests to unduly influence school board elections.
Voted YES on House
Bill 1583, which passed as part of House
Bill 1004 and is Taxpayer Friendly because the 1% homeowner property tax cap
and ten homeowner property tax deductions are allowed in the year of a property
transfer if the property is determined to be exempt in the year following the
transfer year.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Joint Resolution 1,
which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution
to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect
homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform
provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a
legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of
certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state
educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum
reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a
legislative person.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR
1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on
House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions
that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on
Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance
premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill
396, which mandates an
adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the
base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES
on House Bill 1001 SS, the
2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for
good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families
from state and local tax increases. A
YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly.
A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted NO on
Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing
levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where
most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be
established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1.
BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed
the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and
was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana
Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value,
rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For
property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92
counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross
assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008,
is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St.
Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service
exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52%
homeowner cap in St.
Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become
1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1%
constitutional homeowner property tax cap am