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General Assembly & Governor Ratings 05/04/04 Candidate Questionnaire
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Indiana Home Page Indiana
General Assembly & Governor Ratings
(The Candidate Questionnaire for the Republican Primary Governor candidates is at the end of this web page.)
NOTE: Indiana General Assembly Candidates are listed below by District Number. You need your State Representative and State Senator District Numbers to locate candidates for the primary election this May 4. You can go to Project Vote Smart at http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm to find the District Numbers for your State Representative and State Senator. You can also go to Who's Your Legislator? at http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/ to find your Indiana House and Indiana Senate District Numbers.
Information from the following Candidate Questionnaire, together with the Legislative Voting Record and other information sources (such as public comments during legislative sessions, campaign platform statements, the Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002 General Election, and the Candidate Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002, Primary Election), have been used to rate each of the 221 candidates in the May 4 primary election as either Taxpayer Friendly, Uncertain, or Taxpayer UNfriendly.
Candidate Questionnaire for the May 4, 2004, Primary Election
NOTE: This Candidate Questionnaire was sent only to
the 73 candidates (denoted with an )
participating in the 34 contested primaries. The
Candidate Questionnaire was not sent to the 148 candidates with no primary
opposition.
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).
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.)
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).
4. What is your position regarding tax increases to build an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville?
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website?
ANSWERS FOR THE MAY 4, 2004, PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
NOTE: The Candidate Questionnaire was sent
only to the 73 candidates (denoted with an )
participating in the 34 contested primaries.
KEY: Green = Taxpayer Friendly
Response/Candidate
Red
= Taxpayer UNfriendly Response/Candidate
Black
= Uncertain Response/Candidate
State Representative District 1:
Jerome (Jerry) Baffa (Uncertain)
910 Ridge Road
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 712-8480
Fax: (219) 836-1183
E-mail:
Linda C. Lawson
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
29 Detroit St.
Hammond, IN 46320
Phone: (219) 937-0820
E-mail: H1@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r01/
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.
Kathleen Pucalik
(Uncertain)
29 Coolidge St.
Hammond, IN 46324
Phone: (219) 933-9180
Fax: (219) 933-9339
E-mail:
State Representative District 2:
Earl L. Harris
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4114 Butternut Street
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 398-4058
E-mail: H2@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r02/
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.
Drake Morris
(Uncertain)
4136 Deal Street
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 397-9361
E-mail:
State Representative District 3:
Charlie Brown (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
9439 Lake Shore Dr.
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 938-6548
E-mail: H3@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r03/
Willie L. Brown (Uncertain)
779 Polk Street
Gary, IN 46402
Phone: (219) 882-1219
E-mail:
State Representative District 4:
Ralph Donald Ayres (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
520 Park Avenue
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 926-3177
E-mail: H4@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r4/
Barry D. Slegers (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 608
Kouts, IN 46347
Phone: (219) 916-3763
E-mail:
State Representative District 5:
Craig R. Fry
(Uncertain)
637 Bay View Dr.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (219) 255-1923
E-mail: H5@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r05/
Michael Reddy (Uncertain)
10807 Minniear Drive
Osceola, IN 46561
Phone: (574) 258-5555
Fax: (574) 258-9177
E-mail:
State Representative District 6:
B. Patrick Bauer
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1307 Sunnymede Ave.
South Bend, IN 46615
Phone: (219) 234-4318
E-mail: H6@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r06/
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. Sent Senate
Bill 264 for a commission to study the
elimination of property taxes to a House committee where he knew the bill would
not get a hearing. 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. Sponsored
the 2002 special session bill 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.
Mike
Waite (Uncertain)
1319 Randolph
South Bend, IN 46613
Phone: (574) 287-8683
E-mail:
State Representative District 7:
Joanna (Jo) Blacketor (Uncertain)
59701 Myrtle Road
South Bend, IN 46614
Phone: (574) 532-4841
E-mail:
Thomas S. Kromkowski (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2508 Lincolnway West
South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: (219) 232-5626
E-mail: H7@ai.org
State Representative District 8:
Ryan M. Dvorak (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3714 Palomino Circle, Apt. 3A
South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: (574) 271-8006
E-mail: H8@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r08/
State Representative District 9:
Scott D. Pelath (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1824 Manhattan Street
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 878-9174
E-mail: H9@ai.org
State Representative District 10:
Duane Cheney (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2700 Tecumseh Street
Portage, IN 46368
Phone: (219) 762-8682
E-mail: H10@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r10/
State Representative District 11:
Richard A. (Rick) Ryfa (Uncertain)
1021 E. 40th Place
Griffith, IN 46319
Phone: (630) 574-4884
E-mail: rryfa@techtemps.com
Dan Stevenson (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3117 Martha St.
Highland, IN 46322
Phone: (219) 922-9874
E-mail: H11@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r11/
State Representative District 12:
John Aguilera
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1311 Kosciusko Blvd.
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 398-4752
E-mail: H12@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r12/
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.
Daniel N. Fagen (Uncertain)
2240 Hart St.
Dyer, IN 46311
Phone: (219) 864-0213
E-mail:
Website: www.votefagen.com
Alicia
Lopez-Rodriguez (Uncertain)
4517 Tod Ave.
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 398-2352
E-mail:
State Representative District 13:
Chester F. Dobis
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
6565 Marshall Court
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 980-9046
E-mail: H13@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r13/
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.
David
M. Uzelac (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3700 W. 76th Street
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 736-2710
E-mail: twnpksgirl@yahoo.com
1. In the face of our budget crisis, now
approaching a $1.7 billion deficit, voters need to demand accountability. If
elected, my vision will be sharply set on: taxpayer protection, conquering
states’ budget crisis, spending restraint, job creation, economic development,
and addressing the scandal, mismanagement and fraud that afflicts the executive
branch of our State Government. Indiana ranks 50th in the nation in
job creation, and we continue to lose our college graduates due to our States’
lack of opportunities and quality jobs. Indiana workers earn 91 cents on the $1
when compared to average Americans. There are now over 175,000 proud Hoosiers
who are unemployed. Sadly, Indiana leads the Nation in the number personal
bankruptcies and property foreclosures. And in Lake County Indiana, our
community holds the distinction of footing the bill for the most expensive and
inefficient property reassessment in the history of the United States at a cost
to Lake County taxpayers of $25 Million, complements of HB 1902. Our State will
be confronted with unprecedented challenges as we enter legislative session
2005. "When the budget expires in June 2005, the state is expected to have
a mere $65.7 million in the bank. That’s enough to pay for government
services, schools, parks, prisons for just 48 hours. But even this is possible
only because the 2004 budget session indefinitely delayed $715 million in
payments to public schools, state run universities an local governments;
received $250 million in one time aid from the federal government; removed $380
million form the teachers pension fund reserves. In dollar figures Indiana is
projected to have one of the nations top 10 state budget deficits going into the
2005 budget year." [Source National Conference of State Legislators]
The fiscal mismanagement, and government-spending spree must be ended. We
need legislation to force our legislators to adhere to fiscal discipline and
spending restraint. In these tough times, legislators need to spend within our
means, and tighten their belts, just as Hoosier families have been forced to do.
From 1995 to 2000, state spending grew 6.6 % triple the rate of inflation. We
need to set limits on the annual increases in State expenditures that have
spending controls fixed to inflation and growth. I favor
the proposed 99% appropriation limit, which would restrict annual appropriations
to 99% of projected revenue. It has been projected; had this spending
limitation been in place since fiscal year 1999, state spending would have been
reduced by $ 3.1 billion. To identify opportunities for government efficiency,
cost savings and weed out waste, and inefficiency, a complete review of all
state government operations and programs, is critical. Indiana’s government
operations have had no such review in over 30 years. I support
the proposed establishment of Indiana Project for Efficient Government that
would serve to eliminate duplication, adapt to changing priorities and serve our
constituents in the most efficient manner. To protect taxpayer
dollars, and tackle head-on the ongoing scandals, negligence, and fraud in the
executive branch of State government, I support the
proposed establishment of a non-partisan Legislative Office of Accountability.
This Office would be charged with performing the long overdo financial,
operational and performance audits and reviews of state agencies.
2. Remember the 16.3 % tax break PROMISED by
our state representative to average homeowners once the sales tax went up from 5
% to 6 % in 2002, AFTER the property reassessment? NEVER HAPPENED. The 2003
property tax plan shifting $ 400 million in taxes masqueraded as tax relief, but
in reality merely shifted the property tax burden from one group to another to
give the illusion of tax relief. We need a fairer tax structure that is revenue
neutral, and the overall burden to Hoosier taxpayers is not increased to bail
out the states reckless spending sprees. It is time for state leaders to step
forward and stop blaming everyone else and everything except their poor
decisions in the financial management of our state, and finally Reinvent NOT
merely Repair the disaster we call a property tax system. Yes, I am wholeheartedly
in favor of a property tax replacement commission to study the
elimination of property taxes and alternative sources of revenue. Property taxes
under our present system are archaic and unjust. Decades ago it may have been
reasonable to secure tax revenue to fund services that were basically used by
property owners. Today property tax revenues are used for many services not
related to property owners. Rather than a meager effort to repair an unjust
system, we need to support representatives who have courage and conviction to
change the entire tax system. It is time to stop posturing and lead. Yes, I fully
support a senior and disabled individuals property tax deferral program.
The property deferral system would allow our most vulnerable Hoosiers the
ability to keep their homes, and not be forced to sell because they cannot pay
their property tax bill, preserving not just their residence, but their dignity.
3. I am opposed to a gasoline tax increase,
but would consider exempting gasoline sales from the
sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by 5 cents.
4. I am opposed to
tax increases and spending one billion dollars to build an interstate from
Indianapolis to Evansville.
5. District 13 voters: Isn’t it about time your state representative listened
to you? We need to elect representatives who will not be controlled by either
the 700 lobbyists or the political machine. From January thru October 2003
lobbyists spent over $18.7 trying to influence legislators with gifts, tickets
to the Pacers games, sold out concerts and wining and dining. (Source Indiana
Lobby Registration Commission) As your District 13 Representative, I will
listen to, and serve my constituents, not the high paid lobbyists in their pin
striped suits, or the political machine. My opponent, the current District 13
State Representative has held this position for 33 years, (since 1971). Even
with decades of time in office, my opponent has proven incapable in rebuilding
our failing economy, offering meaningful tax relief or government reform. Today,
after decades of overspending, fiscal mismanagement and failure to invest in our
State’s future we are suffering from an economic decline that began 20 years
ago but could have been avoided. District 13 voters need to look at not only
what ails our district and state, but what solutions have been offered by the
incumbent District 13 State Representative who has held this office for 33
years. Like many of you, I am not satisfied with status quo and our State’s
standing when compared to the rest of the nation, in the areas of job creation
and tax policy. Even the 2003 legislative session was a dismal failure, marked
by false pride, stubbornness and election year politics at it’s worst. But
despite the odds, we do not have to abandon our strong Hoosier work ethic, or
the American dream; it is still within our reach. It is well past time for much
needed change, it is Time for a New Direction. With your support, working
together we can create a brighter tomorrow shining throughout District 13, and
across our great state, our home, Indiana.
State Representative District 14:
Catherine Campbell (Uncertain)
578 Jefferson
Gary, IN 46402
Phone: (219) 882-5112
E-mail: catsrobg@hotmail.com
Vernon G. Smith (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box M622
Gary, IN 46401
Phone: (219) 887-2046
E-mail: H14@ai.org
State Representative District 15:
Lon P. Childress (Uncertain)
9549 West 159th Avenue
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-0474
E-mail: lorichildress@sbc.net
Donald J. Lehe (Taxpayer
Friendly)
P.O. Box 231
Brookston, IN 47923
Phone: (765) 563-3620
E-mail: H15@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r15/
State Representative District 16:
Eric A. Gutwein (Taxpayer
Friendly)
710 West Winding Road
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Phone: (219) 866-5828
E-mail: H16@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r16/
State Representative District 17:
Steven Heim (Taxpayer
Friendly)
217 S. Ohio Street
Culver, IN 46511
Phone: (574) 772-0155
E-mail: H17@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r17/
State Representative District 18:
David A. Wolkins (Uncertain)
501 Pierceton Rd.
Winona Lake, IN 46590
Day Phone: (574) 269-2639
E-mail: H18@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r18/
State Representative District 19:
Ron Cooper (Uncertain)
1435 West 94th Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219)629-1439
E-mail:
Robert D. Kuzman
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
819 Savannah Drive
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 661-1044
E-mail: H19@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r19/
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.
John
Anthony Malan (Uncertain)
6001 Bonnie Lane
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (218) 808-8554
E-mail: gweedothewireman@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.restoreamerica.info/
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.
State Representative District 20:
Mary Kay Budak (Taxpayer
Friendly)
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/
Michael
(Mike) R. Schultz (Uncertain)
308 John St.
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 608-1321
E-mail: mgotgreen@comcast.net
Howard
M. Smith (Uncertain)
203 E. Jefferson Ave.
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 369-9016
E-mail: hsmith83@comcast.net
Lynne
Spevak (Uncertain)
1001 Roberts Street
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 326-6808
E-mail:
State Representative District 21:
Carl Kaser (Uncertain)
67601 Pine Road
North Liberty, IN 46554
Phone: (574) 656-4532
E-mail: carlkaser@aol.com
Jackie Walorski (Uncertain)
State Representative District 22:
William J. (Bill) Ruppel (Taxpayer
Friendly)
909 State Road 13 West
N. Manchester, IN 46962
Phone: (219) 982-7981
E-mail: H22@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r22/
State Representative District 23:
C.
L. Alfred (Uncertain)
833 Orchid Pl.
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-1895
E-mail:
1. Get rid of bloated bureaucracy. Ignore dictates from Washington that overrun
the 10th amendment.
2. I would suggest you look at the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report funds
and tell me why we shouldn't pay less taxes?
3. I am thoroughly against tax increases. Think the state should be pushing
ethanol and alternative fuels.
4. Most of
people living in that area affected do not want highway. It will only save 20-30
minutes between those points. Do not build
an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville.
5. No additional comments.
William C. Friend
(Taxpayer Friendly)
3127 W 1500 N
Macy, IN 46951
Phone: (219) 382-3885
E-mail: H23@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r23/
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. Voted during
the 2002 special session AGAINST
increasing 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.
State Representative District 24:
Richard W. (Rich) McClain (Uncertain)
2135 South Ridgeview Way
Logansport, IN 46947
Day Phone: (219) 652-2895
E-mail: H24@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r24/
State Representative District 25:
Jeb Bardon (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4351 Lafayette Road, Ste E
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: (317) 924-9025
E-mail: H25@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r25/
Dennis K. Foreman (Uncertain)
3520 Beeler
Indianapolis, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 299-8673
E-mail:
State Representative District 26:
Connie Basham (Uncertain)
1450 W. 500 S.
Lafayette, IN 47909
Phone: (765) 538-2403
E-mail: clbash@tctc.com
Joe Micon (Uncertain)
6806 Armstrong Chapel Rd.
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 423-2691
E-mail: jmicon@aol.com
1-5. Did not receive this Primary Election Questionnaire. DID NOT RESPOND to
the Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
State Representative District 27:
Jeff Crites (Uncertain)
1017 Hawkins Graduate House
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 513-0106
E-mail: crites@purdue.edu
Sheila J. Klinker (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
633 Kossuth St.
Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone: (765) 742-1692
E-mail: H27@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r27/
State Representative District 28:
Jeffrey A. Thompson (Taxpayer
Friendly)
6001 N. State Road 39
Lizton, IN 46149
Phone: (317) 994-6239
E-mail: H28@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r28/
State Representative District 29:
Kathy Kreag Richardson (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1363 Grant Street
Noblesville, IN 46060
Day Phone: (317) 773-6123
E-mail: H29@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r29/
State Representative District 30:
Ron Herrell (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5100 N. 50 East
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 457-8842
E-mail: H30@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r30/
John Smith
(Uncertain)
1910 Valerie Court
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 452-0044
E-mail: johnesmith@prodigy.net
State Representative District 31:
Timothy W. Harris (Uncertain)
141 S. Adams Street
Marion, IN 96952
Phone: (765) 668-8991
E-mail:
Larry R. Hile (Uncertain)
2521 N 100W
Hartford City, IN 47348
Phone: (765) 348-1434
E-mail: lhile@netusa1.net
State Representative District 32:
Monty
E. Mullins (Uncertain)
4671 W. 1100 S.
Fairmount, IN 46928
Phone: (765) 661-4028
E-mail:
P. Eric Turner
(Taxpayer
Friendly)
5541 S. Harmon St.
Marion, IN 46953
Phone: (765) 677-8380
E-mail: H32@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r32/
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. Voted during
the 2002 special session AGAINST
increasing 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.
State Representative District 33:
Noel
(Bud) Carpenter (Uncertain)
623 S 400 E
Winchester, IN 47394
Phone: (765) 584-4504
E-mail:
Bill
J. Davis (Uncertain)
210 Williamson Drive
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-5203
E-mail: lpi@jayco.net
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)
7483 South 1000 West
Redkey, IN 47373
Phone: (765) 369-2402
E-mail: H33@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r33/
State Representative District 34:
R. Tiny Adams (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2105 N. Walnut St.
Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: (765) 288-7622
E-mail: H34@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r34/
State Representative District 35:
Jesse
E. Landess (Uncertain)
6000 W. C. R. 700 South
Daleville, IN 47334
Phone: (765) 759-9937
E-mail:
L. Jack Lutz (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5070 Stonespring Way
Anderson, IN 46012
Phone: (765) 378-0476
E-mail: H36@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r36/
Kent
T. Saunders (Uncertain)
2229 Impala Drive
Anderson, IN 46012
Phone: (765) 641-4188
E-mail:
State Representative District 36:
Terri Jo Austin (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1030 W. Riverview Drive
Anderson, IN 46011
Phone: (765) 644-2831
E-mail: H36@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r36/
Ronald B. Carrell (Uncertain)
2208 Edgemont Way
Anderson, IN 46011-2633
Phone: (765) 641-9927
E-mail:
State Representative District 37:
Scott E. Reske (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
910 S. Broadway St.
Pendleton, IN 46064-9570
Phone: (765) 778-2019
E-mail: H37@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r37/
State Representative District 38:
James R. (Jim) Buck (Taxpayer
Friendly)
4407 McKibben Dr.
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 453-9216
E-mail: H38@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r38/
State Representative District 39:
Alvin E. (Rusty) Skoog, Jr. (Uncertain)
5764 Coopers Hawk Drive
Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 941-3141
E-mail: aesjr@iquest.net
Gerald R. (Jerry) Torr (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5049 Huntington Dr.
Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 686-6806
E-mail: H39@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r39/
State Representative District 40:
Matthew D. (Matt) Whetstone (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 290
Brownsburg, IN 46112
Phone: (317) 852-5463
E-mail: H40@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r40/
State Representative District 41:
Timothy (Tim) Brown (Taxpayer
Friendly)
P.O. Box 861
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-7024
E-mail: H41@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r41/
Raymond M. Kirtley (Uncertain)
211 South Grant Avenue
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-3493
E-mail:
State Representative District 42:
F. Dale Grubb (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 9
Covington, IN 47932
Phone: (765) 793-3648
E-mail: H42@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r42/
Patti Smith
(Uncertain)
601 W. 11th St.
Veedersburg, IN 47987
Phone: (765) 793-2243
E-mail:
1-5. Did not receive this Primary Election Questionnaire. DID NOT RESPOND
to the Candidate Questionnaires for the November 5, 2002, General
Election and the May 7, 2002, Primary Election.
State Representative District 43:
Clyde Kersey (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
8057 E. Sunset Ave.
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Day Phone: (812) 877-2211
E-mail: H43@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r43/
State Representative District 44:
Kenneth
J. Eitel, Jr. (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 644
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (765) 653-3403
E-mail:
Andrew
P. Thomas (Taxpayer
Friendly)
33 W. National Ave.
Brazil, IN 47834
Phone: (765) 653-0037
E-mail: H44@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r44/
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."
3-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election
Questionnaire or to the November 5, 2002, General
Election and May 7, 2002, Primary Election
Candidate Questionnaires. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Eric A. Wolfe (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 584
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone:
E-mail:
State Representative District 45:
Bruce A. Borders (Uncertain)
R.R. 1, Box 174B
Jasonville, IN 47438
Day Phone: (812) 665-9318
E-mail:
1-5. Did not receive this Primary Election Questionnaire. 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.
Alan B. Chowning (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
7836 W. County Road 50 N
Sullivan, IN 47882
Day Phone: (812) 382-4235
E-mail: H45@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r45/
State Representative District 46:
Herbert
(Herb) W. Jones, Jr. (Uncertain)
3047 South 11 1/2 Street
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 234-7920
E-mail:
Jeffery
M. Lee (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 103
Riley, IN 47871
Phone: (812) 243-4326
E-mail:
Vern Tincher (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5767 South Ernest Street
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 894-2750
E-mail:
State Representative District 47:
Ralph M. Foley
(Taxpayer Friendly)
P.O. Box 1435
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (317) 342-8474
E-mail: H47@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r47/
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.
Gerald
B. Gray (Uncertain)
2185 Lenvoil Road
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (765) 342-3714
E-mail: staterep@peoplepc.com
1. I've kept track of the finances of the state since 1999 and warned taxpayers
of the downward spiral. I've signed the "ATR" committee pledge and am
sincere about not raising taxes to balance the budget. Not spending
is the only way to control the budget. I will vote No on any tax increase in the
upcoming budget sessions. I also want to do away with property tax mainly
because it costs over $1 billion to process the tax statements before you see a
penny that is in the green. We have to quit running our state like it is an
endless source of money! The buck stops here!
2. My first attack on property tax will be to first relieve the seniors that are
on a fixed income and hopefully end the burden of them paying property taxes on
their place of residence and up to 5 acres of property. I hope my claim to fame
will be to eliminate the property tax for residential
taxpayers first with the process of sales tax and eventually all
property tax. May combine user taxes to be able to keep the sales tax figure
lower.
3. I'm more in favor of a user tax than anything so the 5 cents per gallon
sounds feasible to me. A sales tax on fuel may be too much for the consumer.
4. Again, I won't increase taxes to build anything! The I-69 project is going to
burden many counties by splitting them in half. This will create additional
expenses and I don't see the need for a super highway to Mexico.
5. The lottery hasn't been audited that I know of yet and I would put an
immediate stop to Energize Indiana. There isn't a quick fix to what our
legislators have done to our state but it can be fixed. Wasteful spending is
probably the biggest crime of legislature. There are some benefits I won't take
advantage of if elected because it is downright stealing from the people of
Indiana. I want my state back!
Mark
Meadows (Uncertain)
6202 E. Roselyn Dr.
Mooresville, IN 46158
Phone: (317) 439-0450
E-mail: MARKMEADOWS@STONEMOUNTAINADVISORS.COM
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire.
State Representative District 48:
Timothy Neese (Taxpayer
Friendly)
203 N. Ward St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: (574) 293-3894
E-mail: H48@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r48/
State Representative District 49:
John D. Ulmer (Uncertain)
130 North Main St.
Goshen, IN 46526-0575
Phone: (219) 533-1171
E-mail: H49@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r49/
State Representative District 50:
Daniel J. (Dan) Leonard (Taxpayer
Friendly)
6274 N. Goshen Rd.
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 356-8204
E-mail: H50@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r50/
Joe Wilson (Uncertain)
1145 Byron Street
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 358-9233
E-mail:
State Representative District 51:
Dennis K. Kruse (Taxpayer
Friendly)
6704 County Road 31
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 925-0000
E-mail: H51@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r51/
State Representative District 52:
John T. DeLucenay (Uncertain)
Marlin A. Stutzman (Taxpayer
Friendly)
0310 W 700 N
Howe, IN 46746
Phone: (260) 562-3303
E-mail: H52@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r52/
State Representative District 53:
Robert W. (Bob) Cherry (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3118 E 100 S
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 462-0619
E-mail: H53@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r53/
1. 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. Response:
Not spending more than the State will receive in
revenue. I voted against the budget for the
current biennium (03-05) because of an unbalanced budget as well as
using funds from accounts that will not sustain
funding in the future. I would hope that the
current administration would tighten their belt and
further reduce spending
so the State will not be more in the red. I am
not interested in raising taxes of any kind.
We must set priorities for what is essential for State Government to fund.
Controlling the rapid rate in growth in FSSA, DOC, etc will be necessary when
putting together the next budget. Hopefully, the formula for k-12 education will
be changed so the dollars will follow the student.
2. 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." Response: Prior administrations and summer
committees have studied this in the past. Hopefully, this study commission will
give the General Assembly more directions from their finding. I would support
SB264 that has been referred to in the
question. I would consider only revenue neutral
tax increases if property taxes were reduced.
Currently, the State buys down property taxes by 3.2 billion dollars. The locals
must control their spending too.
3. Record: Voted during
the 2002 special session to increase the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon). Response: I do
not support exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax
at this time because the State cannot make up this lost revenue to the General
Fund. However, I do recognize the need for road repairs and infrastructure.
4.
I am not interested in an increase of taxes for
the extension of I69 from Indy to Evansville.
If the administration wants to move forward, maybe they should look at a Toll
Road approach. Other States have used this. For example, I recently traveled I44
through Missouri and when you reach Oklahoma, it becomes the "Will Rogers
Turnpike". Local residents may buy a pike pass and others may stop and feed
the machine.
5. This next election is very important to the direction of our State in the
future. We cannot tax ourselves out of this mess, we must grow ourselves with
more tax revenues from a solid economy. My Statehouse e-mail address is
available for my constituents r53@in.gov. If you
have other policy questions, please feel free to contact my Legislative
Assistant, Quin Cheatham. Her number is 317.232.0664. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the Candidate
Questionnaire for the May 7, 2002,
Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
State Representative District 54:
Thomas E. (Tom) Saunders (Taxpayer
Friendly)
106 North First St.
Lewisville, IN 47352
Phone: (765) 987-7572
E-mail: H54@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r54/
Christopher Surber (Uncertain)
650 S CR 600 E
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 332-2950
E-mail: ccsurber@kiva.net
1-4. DID NOT RESPOND
5. February 16, 2004, candidate press release excerpts: Surber is a 1984
graduate of New Castle Chrysler High and a 1990 graduate of Indiana University
earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration and
Management. Surber has held many different positions in banking, retail, and
manufacturing; more recently serving as an internationally appointed United Auto
Workers (UAW) Quality Improvement Facilitator for DaimlerChrysler and now works
for Metaldyne, which purchased the New Castle DaimlerChrysler facility in
January of this year. Surber’s varied experience has allowed him to gain
knowledge of finance and banking, economic policy, manufacturing policies and
procedures, and government regulation. Surber offers creative proposals for
expanding the Indiana economy, and securing and expanding the rights and
benefits of Hoosiers, while supporting more responsible government fiscal
policy. Surber is married to Jaci Surber of 16 years. Jaci is a Language Arts
and Publications teacher for South Henry Schools located in Lewisville, IN.
Surber has two children; Jacob, 11, and Kirstin, 7; both attend New Castle
Schools. Surber is the son of Carl and Vel Surber of New Castle.
State Representative District 55:
Robert Hoffman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
204 W. Everton Rd.
Connersville, IN 47331
Phone: (765) 825-5728
E-mail: H55@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r55/
State Representative District 56:
Eric
Duncan (Uncertain)
326 South 4th Street
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: (765) 935-4136
E-mail: eduncan@skyenet.net
Richard (Dick) Hamm
(Uncertain)
2266 Walnut Lane
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: (765) 935-4032
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire or to the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
Brian
Ingermann (Uncertain)
424 N. 11th Street
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone: (765) 521-2709
E-mail:
Phillip Pflum
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5757 Sarver Road
Milton, IN 47357
Phone: (765) 478-3817
E-mail: H56@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r56/
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."
3-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election
Questionnaire or the November
5, 2002, General Election and May
7, 2002, Primary Election Candidate Questionnaires. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Ed
Yanos (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8839 S. Co. Rd. 675E
Cambridge City, IN 47327
Phone:(765) 478-5687
E-mail: yanos@skyenet.net
1. I believe that government must live
within its means and that, even if state revenue increases, spending
must be maintained at levels below the income to allow retiring the billions of
dollars in debt the state has incurred. I am opposed to
any tax increases, any fund robbing, or
expansion of gaming.
2. I strongly believe that the property tax is a relic of our colonial era
government and that we must move towards replacing individual levies completely
with either an income or sales tax. Shifting property tax burdens with
exemptions or selective appraisal is wrong and invariably disadvantages people
who don't have the ability to pay.
3. In theory I would support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by
another 5 cents because the revenue generated by driving would
actually go to support the transportation in Indiana. But I believe that the
Indiana Department of Transportation already wastes tens of millions of dollars
each year and Indiana's county road system is far more in need. Answer: dedicate
the new dollars to county highways.
4. I oppose tax increases, and a new interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville
should only be built as current sources of funding allow.
5. Did not respond.
State Representative District 57:
Luke Messer (Uncertain)
345 West Broadway Street
Shelbyville, IN 46176-1001
Phone: (317) 964-5028
E-mail: H57@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r57/
State Representative District 58:
Woody Burton (Taxpayer
Friendly)
147 Monticello Dr.
Greenwood, IN 46142
Phone: (317) 881-0400
E-mail: H58@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r58/
Dolores Montgomery
(Uncertain)
697 Cielo Vista Dr.
Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: (317) 923-1066
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire or the November 5, 2002, General
Election Candidate Questionnaire.
Greg
Turley (Uncertain)
328 Lake Ridge Lane
Greenwood, IN 46142
Phone: (317) 889-9315
E-mail: greg@gregturley.com
Website: www.gregturley.com
1. I am opposed to personal income tax increases.
We must eliminate duplicate regulatory agencies which drain our state's budget
and the budgets of our employers and our service providers. We can and must
balance the state budget.
2. (a) I would support a neutral shift from property tax which does not place
additional burden on individuals. Indiana needs a more efficient way of
collecting and distributing tax dollars. (b) I support
a property tax deferral program for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
3. I support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by 5
cents.
4. I believe Indiana will benefit from an Interstate Highway from Indianapolis
to Evansville. However, if we cannot find a way to build it with existing
monies, we should build it as a toll road.
5. www.gregturley.com
State Representative District 59:
David Yount (Uncertain)
8275 Woodland Creek Drive
Columbus, IN 47201
Phone: (812) 342-7775
E-mail: H59@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r59/
State Representative District 60:
Paul Hager (Uncertain)
4475 N. Benton Ct.
Bloomington, IN 47408
Phone: (812) 854-4888
E-mail: paulhager@paulhager.org
Website: http://www.paulhager.org/
1. At this point, we haven't looked specifically at what I would want to cut.
However, my position is that EVERYTHING is on the table - there are no sacred
cows, no program should be considered to be exempt. I would have a priority in
favor of going after obvious pork and corporate welfare first - the
"low-hanging fruit".
2. I would strongly favor a property tax replacement
study commission to study the elimination of property taxes and
alternative sources of revenue. I would like to expand the study to look at
replacing the state income tax as well. The alternative that I would like to see
studied is what I call a progressive consumption tax. In essence, it would
be a state sales tax that would have a rebate or tax credit or perhaps a
negative income tax to deal with low-end regressivity.
3. I'd need to study more the idea of exempting gasoline sales from the sales
tax and increasing the gasoline tax by another 5 cents. If it is actually
revenue neutral AND demonstrably beneficial I might support it. For now, I'll
take a pass.
4. In the past I opposed the new terrain route. I've
changed my position and now favor it. However, I question the need to
increase taxes to pay for it. The only way I would
support additional taxation for I-69 would be if there were guaranteed cuts
elsewhere that balanced things out. Without that guarantee I would
not support raising taxes. I do know that Indiana is a net donor state when it
comes to federal highway funds. I doubt there is a direct way for Indiana State
Government to address this problem. I would hope our Congressional Delegation
would act in concert to try and rectify this situation.
5. I will have a website soon. "[A] government resting on a minority is an
aristocracy, not a Republic, and could not be safe with a numerical and physical
force against it, without a standing army, an enslaved press, and a disarmed
populace." - James Madison, autobiographical sketch, ca. 1831-1836
Peggy Welch (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2802 St. Remy Circle
Bloomington, IN 47401
Phone: (812) 323-7978
E-mail: H60@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r60/
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.
State Representative District 61:
Matt Pierce
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4321 Wembley Ct.
Bloomington, IN 47408
Day Phone: (812) 524-8744
E-mail: H61@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r61/
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."
3-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election
Questionnaire or the November 5, 2002, General Election
Candidate Questionnaire. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Mark
Stoops (Uncertain)
4425 N. Old State Road 37
Bloomington, IN 47408
Phone: (812) 333-6328
E-mail:
1. Most of my proposals would result in a
restructuring of departmental priorities, which would not result in a need for
additional revenue, and hopefully would result in a net savings. However, I
would support tax increases for education -
more teachers, smaller classes - less to capital improvements.
2. I support
both (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.
3. I support exempting gasoline sales from the sales
tax and increasing the gasoline tax by another 5 cents only if all gas taxes
were earmarked for improving existing road, highway, and bridge
infrastructure.
4. I do not
support any funding for I-69. I also believe
the Indiana Department of Transportation has proven to be fiscally irresponsible
based on real needs and INDOT projected expenditures.
5. Website available soon stoopsstaterep.com. My key issues are universal health
care of Hoosiers, stopping I-69 and using the funds to fix the roads we have.
Home rule for local governments rather than required property tax focus.
State Representative District 62:
Janie
Craig Chenault (Taxpayer
Friendly)
150 Meridian Street
Bedford, IN 47421
Phone: (812) 279-3123
E-mail: janie.chenault@insightbb.com
1. My guiding principles will be based on relying
on spending cuts and fund transfers with no tax/fee increases. I
would support the 99% spending limit proposed by the House Republicans which
would also limit appropriations to 99% of projected
revenues. If such a measure had been enacted in 1996, $3.1 billion
could have been saved.
2. (a) I favor the
creation of a property tax replacement study commission to study the elimination
of property taxes and alternative sources of revenue. I favor
property tax relief decisions which will be revenue neutral. (b) I
favor the senior and disabled individual’s property tax deferral program based
upon the net worth of the taxpayer’s home.
3. Yes, I favor the
revenue-neutral shift of all gas tax proceeds from Indiana’s General Fund.
I believe this would help county government.
4. I favor the
building of I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville as an economic development tool
for Indiana. I do not favor a tax increase and would support a toll road until
it is paid for.
5. I view Jobs and the economy as the two main issues facing Indiana in 2004.
Jerry L. Denbo
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1271 Clay St.
French Lick, IN 47432
Phone: (812) 936-2483
E-mail: H62@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r62/
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 AGAINST
increasing 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.
Karyn
Moskowitz (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 462
Paoli, IN 47454
Phone: (812) 723-5504
E-mail: moskie@blueriver.net
1. Take gas tax and
allocate to the General Fund. Decrease INDOT budget and allocate to
education, environmental protection, health care, and economic incentives for
small business.
2. I agree with a
property tax replacement study commission to study the elimination of
property taxes and a senior and disabled individuals
property tax deferral program.
3. I do not support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by
another 5 cents.
4. I do not favor
tax increases to build an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville.
5. moskie@blueriver.net
Donald O. Patton
(Uncertain)
R2, Box 226 B
Solsberry, IN 47459
Phone: (812) 825-4909
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire or to the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
State Representative District 63:
Ross
J. Cook (Uncertain)
7415 East County Road 800 South
Stendal, IN 47585
Phone: (812) 536-2605
E-mail:
Dave Crooks
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1205 Winbrook Dr.
Washington, IN 47501
Phone: (812) 254-5173
E-mail: H63@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r63/
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.
Favors the extension of Interstate 69 along a
direct route from Indianapolis to Evansville through southwest Indiana.
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.
Paul McFeaters (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 360
Loogootee, IN 47553
Phone: (812) 482-2608
E-mail:
State Representative District 64:
John Gregory Frenz (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2199 N. Lincoln Ln.
Vincennes, IN 47591
Day Phone: (812) 882-4519
E-mail: H64@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r64/
Troy Woodruff (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 815
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 385-3279
E-mail:
State Representative District 65:
Eric Allan Koch (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1310 16th Street
P. O. Box 372
Bedford, IN 47421
Phone: (812) 279-6367
E-mail: H65@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r65/
State Representative District 66:
Jack Gillespie (Uncertain)
480 South Shore Lane
Brownstown, IN 47220
Phone: (812) 358-9449
E-mail: backdrjack@yahoo.com
Terry Goodin (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
409 Seymour Road
Crothersville, IN 47229
Phone: (812) 794-8532
E-mail: H66@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r66/
State Representative District 67:
Cleo Duncan (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1205 E. Tara Road
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-5595
E-mail: H67@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r67/
State Representative District 68:
Robert J. Bischoff (Uncertain)
1137 Carroll Ave.
Greendale, IN 47025
Phone: (812) 537-2061
E-mail: H68@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r68/
State Representative District 69:
Billy
Bright (Uncertain)
815 E. Co. Rd. 55 So.
N. Vernon, IN 47265
Phone: (812) 346-5569
Fax: (812) 346-3262
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire.
Markt Lance Lytle (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
423 W. Main Street
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-4021
E-mail: H69@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r69/
Ben
P. Newell
(Uncertain)
3133 Graham Rd.
Madison, IN 47250
Phone: (812) 265-5922
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire and the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
State Representative District 70:
Paul J. Robertson (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
8990 Bird Trail N.W.
Depauw, IN 47115
Phone: (812) 347-2015
E-mail: H70@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r70/
State Representative District 71:
James L. Bottorff (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2413 Highway 62
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 282-8356
E-mail: H71@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r71/
State Representative District 72:
Ryan Bergman (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1209 E. Main Street
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: (812) 941-0495
E-mail: ryan@ryanbergman.com
1-5. Did not receive this Primary
Election Questionnaire. See the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
William C. Cochran (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4330 Greenvalley Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Day Phone: (812) 944-8573
E-mail: H72@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r72/
State Representative District 73:
Dennie Oxley (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 304
English, IN 47118
Phone: (812) 338-4932
E-mail: H73@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r73/
State Representative District 74:
Russ Stilwell (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
266 Geneva Way
Boonville, IN 47601
Phone: (812) 897-1211
E-mail: H74@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r74/
State Representative District 75:
Dennis T. Avery (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
11400 Big Cynthiana Rd.
Evansville, IN 47720
Phone: (812) 963-9126
E-mail: H75@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r75/
State Representative District 76:
W. Trent VanHaften (Uncertain)
410 Highway 62 West
Mount Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 838-4457
E-mail: H76@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r76/
David
Gibson (Uncertain)
1600 Fountain Ave.
Evansville, IN 47710
Phone: (812) 401-9940
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT
RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire.
Jim
Tomes (Uncertain)
9412 Hwy 66
Wadesville, IN 47638
Phone:(812) 985-5473
E-mail: jmtomes@pngusa.net
Website: www.jimtomes.com
1. Our state needs a complete overhaul, agency by agency, to cut out wasteful
spending. Two comes to mind quickly, BMV and State Police's program in the way
they conduct background checks for gun purchases. Absolutely
no more tax increases. If we check this runaway spending we could
lower taxes or in some cases probably eliminate them.
2. I would like to eliminate property tax and choose not to replace it with yet
another tax. I still think a close and honest inspection of how fast our state
spends carelessly could result in property tax elimination.
3. I know that state government relies on taxes of some sort for revenues. I
think we now pay 38 cents per gallon not counting sales tax in taxes on
gasoline. I still prefer to get ahead of this snowball by examining spending.
4. With being a billion dollars in debt right now I don't
think we can afford the interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville. I
think Indiana needs to do what working class have to do, that is try saving
money back for awhile.
5. I'm an average working class taxpayer. I think it's time we have someone like
me who knows the value of a dollar. Who knows right from wrong. When to say yes
and when to say no.
State Representative District 77:
David A. Hennig (Uncertain)
6927 Kolb Drive
Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (812) 477-9870
E-mail:
Phil Hoy (Uncertain)
217 Cherry Street
Evansville, IN 47713
Phone: (812) 437-9295
E-mail:
State Representative District 78:
Vaneta Becker
(Uncertain)
4017 Cobble Field Dr.
Evansville, IN 47711
Phone: (812) 479-3776
E-mail: H78@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r78/
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 AGAINST
increasing the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon).
4.
Favors the extension of Interstate 69 along a
direct route from Indianapolis to Evansville through southwest Indiana.
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.
Jonathan
A. (Jon) Fulton (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5125 Hirsch Rd.
Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (812) 853-4355
E-mail: jonathan.fulton@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.jonfulton.com
1. I believe that the budget
must be reduced to be equal to or less than tax revenues.
2. (a) I support a commission study to review the reduction/elimination of
property taxes and to investigate alternative sources of revenue. (b) I need to
know more about the tax deferral program. If you mean the property
tax is deferred until the senior or disabled individual passes away, I support
it.
3. I support
the proposed revenue neutral shift of gasoline tax revenue from the General Fund
to road improvements.
4. I support building an interstate from
Detroit to Houston (Canada to Mexico). The interstate from Indianapolis to
Evansville is part of this. The economic growth to Indiana will far exceed the
cost of building the interstate. I support a temporary
tax increase or a reduction in other areas of the budget to support I-69.
5. www.jonfulton.com
State Representative District 79:
Michael A. Ripley (Taxpayer
Friendly)
2990 S 650 E
Monroe, IN 46772
Day Phone: (219) 592-7516
E-mail: H79@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r79/
State Representative District 80:
Ben E. GiaQuinta (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4443 Pembroke Lane
Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Phone: (219) 745-7861
E-mail: H80@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r80/
Kevin Howell
(Uncertain)
3315 Diplomat Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
Phone: (260) 441-9024
E-mail:
1-5. Did not receive this Primary Election Questionnaire. DID NOT RESPOND to the Candidate
Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
State Representative District 81:
Win Moses, Jr. (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2310 Abbey Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46835
Phone: (260) 489-9402
E-mail: H81@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r81/
State Representative District 82:
Jeffrey K. Espich (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
Box 158 - 1250 W. Hancock St.
Uniondale, IN 46791
Phone: (219) 543-2546
E-mail: H82@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r82/
State Representative District 83:
Robert K. Alderman (Uncertain)
5715 Kroemer RD.
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Phone: (219) 489-5349
E-mail: H83@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r83/
State Representative District 84:
Randy L. Borror
(Uncertain)
1315 Georgetown Park Dr.
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Phone: (260) 493-6118
E-mail: H84@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r84/
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 AGAINST
increasing 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.
John
M. Zimmerman (Uncertain)
1 Tyndale Pl.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: (260) 373-1068
E-mail:
State Representative District 85:
Phyllis J. Pond (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8530 Seiler Rd.
New Haven, IN 46774
Phone: (219) 749-1444
E-mail: H85@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r85/
State Representative District 86:
Emily
M. Everitt (Uncertain)
710 E. 84th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 251-0780
E-mail:
Mort
Large (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8242 Forest Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: (317) 465-9857
E-mail: email@mortlarge.com
Website: www.mortlarge.com
1. I will support
spending cuts as a means to restore fiscal discipline, but I will
not support any tax increases.
2. I have proposed a detailed property tax solution, which is fair for all
homes, whether old or new, owner-occupied or rented, or in cities, suburbs or
smaller towns. The plan addresses all three of the major components of property
taxation - rates, values, and the non-elected bodies which can raise your taxes.
My complete Plan to Address the Property Tax System in Indiana is available at www.mortlarge.com.
Some summary information for the Plan follows. OBJECTIVE: Creation of a system
where property taxes are as low, fair, objective, predictable and pro-economic
growth as possible, and contain a real capping mechanism. CURRENT PROBLEMS: (a)
As property values increase, people will be forced to pay higher taxes without
any corresponding ability to do so. A
rise in equity or value does not give a person more cash in the pocket to pay
higher taxes. (b) The current market value system is still highly subjective,
with valuation being more of an art than a science. (c) The current system is
very expensive and labor intensive to administer. (d) No capping mechanism
exists to protect homeowners from volatile tax increases in a single year. (e)
The taxes paid by many are simply too high, in some cases equating to a second
mortgage payment. (f) The property tax environment is uncertain, as no degree of
confidence exists in what taxes for any given property will be in the future.
This creates hardships, particularly for those on fixed incomes. (g)
People do not have control over either component of property tax – the
assessed value or the tax rate. SOLUTION: Replace the current market value
system with an acquisition value (AV) system and provide protection measures for
taxpayers against future increases. (a) Under an AV system, all taxable property
values would be those values as determined by the most recent assessment – the
2002 value. Going forward, property
would be assessed at its value during a change of ownership or by new
construction. Once the initial
value is determined, the taxable value of a property would be increased annually
by the LOWER of the rate of inflation or 2%. (b) The total, cumulative property
tax on any property from all taxing authorities would be capped at 1% of the
taxable value of the property. The
total, cumulative property tax from all taxing authorities could still be lower
than 1% of taxable value, but it could not exceed 1% of taxable value. (c) Any
tax rate increases passed by non-elected taxing authorities must be voted on and
passed by a simple majority of the appropriate legislative body. BENEFITS: (a)
Fairness – People would not see dramatic rises in property taxes during times
of rapid rises in real estate appreciation. This
is in marked contrast to what would occur under the current market value system.
Remember, people cannot pay real $ increases in property taxes with
“paper” gains in real estate values. (b) Objectivity – The purchase price
establishes the taxable value, and that value grows at a maximum rate of 2% per
year. This eliminates valuation estimates
by the assessors. (c) Predictability – One could predict with certainty what
the maximum property tax of a property would be even 20 years after purchase.
(d) Control – Since purchase price determines the taxable value, the homebuyer
essentially determines the maximum tax for the property. (e) Protection –
People would no longer be in danger of losing their homes during periods of
rapid real estate appreciation, as taxable values and property taxes would be
capped. (f) Non-discriminatory – The current market value system provides no
protection to renters, who pay higher property taxes (unmitigated by homestead
credits) passed on in higher rents. An AV
system, on the other hand, provides taxable value and property tax protection to
all properties. (g) Simplicity – An AV system would be simpler and less costly
for government to administer, and homeowners would no longer have to remember to
file exemption forms with county agencies. Property
tax and taxable value protection would be provided to all.
3. While revenue-neutral shifts often sound like good ideas, in reality they
usually turn out to be tax increases. The latest significant example of this was
the raising of the sales tax to 6%, to be offset by property tax relief, passed
in 2002. Then, in 2003, the legislature removed $280 million of the property tax
relief that was promised. So, when existing taxes are designated to go to
specific projects, that is preferable to when they are sent to the general fund.
However, due to government's track record with revenue-neutral shifts, it would
take much to convince me that exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and
increasing the gasoline tax by another 5 cents would indeed be revenue-neutral.
4. I will not
support tax increases for any purpose, including an interstate from
Indianapolis to Evansville.
5. My record on the Washington Township Board is one of cutting taxes, while
still maintaining services. Taxes were lower when I left office than when I
entered, which is a rare accomplishment in government. Also, I have been
endorsed by Indiana Taxpayers for Accountability in Government. Details about my
plans if elected, as well as biographical information, can be found at www.mortlarge.com.
Andy
Miller (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1595 Braemar Ct.
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 915-4087
Cell: (317) 496-7941
E-mail: Andrew.Miller@popweaver.com
Website: www.andymiller.org
1. In 2005-2007, we
must reduce state government spending by at least -2%. This is
necessary given that the state spending has grown at 2-3 times the rate of
inflation and has now exceeded revenue. A -2% decrease in 2005-2007 will allow
for total spending increases between 2003-2007 that are more in line with
inflation. Inflation is a good metric for the state’s budget as it correlates
closely to the cost of doing business. In other words, the
state should be able to keep total spending in line with inflation and still
maintain necessary services. Also, an inflation-based metric will
help avoid over-spending given that it forces a more conservative estimate of
revenue. Businesses and private citizens must follow these metrics, so there is
no reason state government cannot. In addition, the 2005-2007 budget must employ
a strategic prioritization to insure that programs like economic development and
education, which are necessary to get the state back on track, can be funded. I
will recommend that we prioritize the state’s budget into three categories
each with a different spending goal. Those categories are as follows: (a)
Strategic Priorities (e.g. Economic Development and Education). Spending must be
maintained or increased in these areas as they will deliver a stronger return
long term by generating more sustainable and reliable revenue base. i.e. A
strong economic base with a well educated populous will increase the state’s
base of taxable revenue or income and ultimately allow for lower tax rates. (b)
Maintenance Priorities (e.g. FSSA, IDOT, Safety & Security). Spending on
maintenance areas must be capped in the 2005-2007 biennium and thereafter
increased only with inflation, due to emergencies or to fund a strategic
priority. These services are necessary but increasing investment is most likely
not warranted. (c) Other Initiatives (e.g. IDEM, General Government Spending):
Spending must be cut by 10-15% across all these groups. Almost all of these
areas have artificially increased budgets, which has driven unnecessary
complication and thus over funding. IDEM is a great example with too many
regulators, too many study projects and too much of a barrier to economic
development.
2. (a) Indiana’s tax system is antiquated, particularly its heavy reliance on
property taxes. We must start with a clear definition of the state’s strategic
priorities, which will likely include economic development and education. Once
this strategy plan is defined, we must then review the entire tax structure to
insure that it is not a deterrent to our priorities, that it can fund our
initiatives, and most importantly that it is forcing fiscal responsibility. In
any new system, reliance on property taxes must be reduced although likely not
eliminated, and anti-business taxes like the inventory tax must remain out or be
removed. We must also consider an increased role in
sales tax, local-option income taxes, and other alternate types of taxes.
(b) I support a deferral program of the property tax to
seniors and disabled individuals, particularly if financial stability
of those individuals was jeopardized by the 2003 increases.
3. In principle, I fully support correlating
tax revenue with a direct initiative (e.g. highway improvement). This promotes a
better taxpayer, user, and government relationship and provides better long-term
fiscal management. Given that road’s are an important part of Indiana’s
infrastructure and that gasoline sales are directly correlated to their use, I
believe that a sales tax elimination to be replaced by
an increased gas-tax makes perfect sense.
4. The interstate between Indianapolis and Evansville is an important priority,
but it must be funded without increasing taxes. This is a perfect example of
where prioritization and fiscal prudence should allow for important priorities
to be funded by eliminating or capping spending on other non-strategic
priorities.
5. We must work hard to get Indiana back on track. We can be a leading place to
work and do business. We can be a top 10 state for education. We can spend less
and still achieve our goals. But, this must start with a clear long-term vision
for Indiana and a willingness to make tough budget decisions to focus on this
vision and eliminate other areas of wastefulness. I am committed to that type of
leadership.
David Orentlicher
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5200 Grandview Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46228-1938
Day Phone: (317) 829-7371
E-mail: H86@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r86/
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."
3-5. DID NOT
RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire or the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May 7, 2002,
Primary Election Candidate Questionnaires. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
State Representative District 87:
Cindy Noe (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5236 E. 72nd St.
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: (317) 841-7777
E-mail: H87@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r87/
State Representative District 88:
Brian C. Bosma (Uncertain)
8971 Bay Breeze Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Phone: (317) 692-9000
E-mail: H88@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r88/
State Representative District 89:
Michael
A. Batz (Uncertain)
320 N. Arlington Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: (317) 375-5555
E-mail:
Lawrence L. (Larry) Buell
(Uncertain)
2502 Silver Lane Drive
Bloomington, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 322-5930
E-mail: H89@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r89/
1. 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. Response: I
believe the 2005-2007 budget can be balanced with increased revenue at current
rates fueled by a upturn in the economy. Spending
should be capped at 99% of appropriations.
There are very little reserves to tap, and we have in fact delayed distributions
to local units of government.
2. 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." Sponsored Senate Bill
264 to
establish a commission studying the elimination
of property taxes
and alternative sources of revenue. Response: (a) I believe the
study commission is a good idea, because we should have as a goal the
elimination or large reduction of property taxes as the primary source of
revenue for local government. (b) The senior and disabled individuals property
tax deferral program has merit, but I do not recall the issue being before the
General Assembly.
3.
Record: Voted during
the 2002 special session AGAINST
increasing the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon). Response: I believe I could support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by
another 5 cents because of the great need to improve roads, assuming the general
fund condition recovers as hoped.
4. I would not support any tax increase dedicated to building I-69 so long as
the route is so unfavorable to Perry Twp. in Marion County.
5. I have long
been a fiscal conservative, and am dedicated to holding the line on taxes. I
have voted against unbalanced budgets, but did vote for the last one because of
the great economic development initiatives included in it. Helping the economy
is a great need which must be addressed. See the Candidate
Questionnaires for the November
5, 2002, General Election and the May 7, 2002,
Primary Election. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
State Representative District 90:
Brian
K. Canter (Uncertain)
7601 Five Points Road
Indianapolis, IN 46259
Phone: (317) 787-6073
E-mail: briancanter3@hotmail.com
Stephen
M. Maple (Uncertain)
6403 Quail Creek Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone: (317) 788-3316
E-mail:
Michael
B. Murphy (Taxpayer
Friendly)
4731 Moss Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone: (317) 782-3188
E-mail: H90@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r90/
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. Voted during
the 2002 special session AGAINST
increasing 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.
State Representative District 91:
Robert W. Behning (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3315 S. Tibbs Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46221
Phone: (317) 243-4250
E-mail: H91@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r91/
State Representative District 92:
Phillip D. (Phil) Hinkle (Taxpayer
Friendly)
7050 Camelot Court
Indianapolis, IN 46214
Phone: (317) 243-9644
E-mail: H92@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r92/
State Representative District 93:
David N. Frizzell (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8310 Hill Gail Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Phone: (317) 635-8885
E-mail: H93@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r93/
State Representative District 94:
Shane Brinkman (Uncertain)
5630 Moller Road
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Day Phone: (317) 388-8044
E-mail: VOTE4BRINKMAN@HOTMAIL.COM
1-5. Did not receive this Primary Election Questionnaire. DID NOT RESPOND to
the Candidate Questionnaire for the November 5, 2002, General
Election.
Carolene Mays (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3247 Lindel Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: (317) 924-5143
E-mail: H94@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r94/
State Representative District 95:
Lyman Tex Black (Uncertain)
7967 Ashton Dr.
Lawrence, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 541-9174
E-mail:
Mae Dickinson (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5455 N. Arlington Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 547-0668
E-mail: H95@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r95/
State Representative District 96:
Brian Jessen (Uncertain)
5541 Rosslyn Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone:
E-mail:
Gregory W. Porter (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3614 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Phone: (317) 926-1179
E-mail: H96@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r96/
State Representative District 97:
Roxanne
Butler (Uncertain)
656 East Arch Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 282-2659
E-mail: Roxanne.Butler@iflyata.com
Edmund M. Mahern (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
2707 Allen Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 786-6711
E-mail: H97@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r97/
Matt
Smith (Uncertain)
279 Gilbert Avenue
Beech Grove, IN 46107
Phone: (317) 356-6377
E-mail: msmith@scecina.org
State Representative District 98:
William A. Crawford (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 18446
Indianapolis, IN 46218
Phone: (317) 232-9874
E-mail: H98@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r98/
State Representative District 99:
Jeff Davies (Uncertain)
2528 Bluffwood Dr. W.
Indianapolis, IN 46228
Phone: (317) 298-4770
E-mail:
Vanessa J. Summers (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1140 Brook Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: (317) 925-1214
E-mail: H99@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r99/
State Representative District 100:
John J. Day (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
937 E. Dr. Woodruff Pl.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
Phone: (317) 636-6601
E-mail: H100@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_democrats/repsites/r100/
State Senate District 2:
Mario
Montelongo (Uncertain)
4921 Tod Avenue
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 398-7243
E-mail:
Samuel
Smith, Jr.
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 3218
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 397-2024
E-mail: S2@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s02/index.html
1. Did not respond
to a request asking why he 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. Voted during the 2002 regular session for a version of
House Bill 1004 where there would have been an
unneeded Income Tax rate increase, a new business Payroll Tax would have been
imposed, and revenues would have been increased $933 million more than taxes
would have been reduced through June 30, 2004.
2. Did not respond to a request asking why he 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." Voted for Senate Bill
264 to establish a commission studying the
elimination of property taxes
and alternative sources of revenue.
3.
Missed the 2002 special session vote that increased the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon). Voted during the 2002 regular session for
a version of House Bill 1317 that would have
raised the gas tax
from 15 cents per gallon to 18 cents during 2003, 20 cents during 2004, and 22
cents after 2004.
4-5. DID NOT
RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire. Also see the Legislative
Voting Record.
Joe
L. White (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
751 Colfax Street
Gary, IN 46406
Phone: (219) 882-1522
E-mail:
1. I am 1st a fiscal conservative. However
as the debt of the state rise to an unpresidentual high level, the
state must look for alternate resources to finance state government.
A property tax increase will run, both business and home owners from the state
of Indiana.
2. A property tax
replacement study, is a waste of time. The legislature must
understand what has eroded much of the states tax base, and that has been the
downsizing of heavy industry in northwest Indiana, (steel and product spend
off's).
3. No I do not support, exempting the
gasoline sale sales tax from state tax. Because any other tax, would become
somewhat of a hiding tax, and could be easily increase without coming back to
the legislature.
4. I do not support any kind of tax increase to build any new roads or highways
at this time, until the state can come up with a balance budget.
5. I believe that my candidacy, will help the Senate in determining many of the
urban community issures, for the state of Indiana. If elected I will assure you
that I will come on board, looking for the best problem solving sulutions that
can be found by or purchased at the most economical cost.
State Senate District 3:
Earline S. Rogers (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3636 W. 15th Ave.
Gary, IN 46404
Phone: (219) 949-7578
E-mail: S3@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s03/index.html
State Senate District 5:
Nancy Dembowski (Taxpayer
Friendly)
902 South Pearl Street
Knox, IN 46534
Phone: (574) 772-3876
E-mail: S5@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s05/index.html
Victor
Heinold (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 1040
Valparaiso, IN 46384
Phone: (219) 465-7221
E-mail:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire.
Cresley
W. Walker (Uncertain)
105 Hackney Lane
Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 464-8463
E-mail: cresleyw@juno.com
Website: http://cresleywalker.com/
1. No tax increases. Economize. Consolidate programs.
2. I would like to be involved in pursuing a property tax replacement study
commission and a senior and disabled individuals property tax deferral program.
3. Yes, I support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax by
another 5 cents.
4. Do not support
tax increases to build an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville.
5. http://cresleywalker.com/
State Senate District 7:
Brandt Hershman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 189
Monticello, IN 47960
Phone: (219) 843-2000
E-mail: S7@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s7/index.html
State Senate District 8:
Anita Bowser (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1912 E Coolspring
Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 874-6512
E-mail: S8@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s08/index.html
Allen L. Stevens, Jr. (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 15
Union Mills, IN 46382
Phone: (219) 771-8423
E-mail: a7245@csinet.net
State Senate District 9:
Ryan D. Mishler (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 202
Bremen, IN 46506
Phone: (574) 546-2861
E-mail: mishlerforsenate@yahoo.com
State Senate District 10:
John E. Broden (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
201 West North Shore Drive
South Bend, IN 46617
Phone: (219) 232-5697
E-mail: S10@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s10/index.html
State Senate District 12:
Charles D. Mumaw (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 132
Goshen, IN 46527
Phone: (574) 220-9997
E-mail:
Marvin Riegsecker (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1814 Kentfield Way
Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (219) 533-2314
E-mail: S12@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s12/
State Senate District 13:
Robert L. Meeks (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 85
Lagrange, IN 46761
Phone:
E-mail: S13@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s13/
State Senate District 16:
David C. Long (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
7100 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46804
Day Phone: (219) 436-7100
E-mail: S16@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s16/
State Senate District 18:
Thomas K. Weatherwax (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3012 Woodland Drive
Logansport, IN 46947
Phone: (219) 753-3060
E-mail: S18@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s18/
State Senate District 20:
Luke Kenley (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 809
Noblesville, IN 46061
Phone: (317) 773-2980
E-mail: S20@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s20/
S.
Gopal Raju (Uncertain)
1411 W. Glendale Drive
Marion, IN 46953
Phone: (765) 674-1312
E-mail: sgandcraju@bpsinet.com
1-5. DID NOT
RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire or the May 7, 2002,
Primary Election Candidate Questionnaire (for State Representative District
31).
Robert
D. Threlkeld (Uncertain)
11256 Wood Creek Drive
Carmel, IN 46033
Phone: (317) 846-0752
E-mail: carplake@aol.com
1. I favor the proposal by
Governor Kernan to study all aspects of State government and eliminate boards,
commissions and departments that are redundant or no longer needed. I would hope
such a through study would identify cuts that could be made without any
reduction in government services. As a general rule I think State
spending should not increase more than the rate of inflation. If
necessary I would support increased taxes on tobacco, beer, wine and spirits.
Such taxes could be used to help with Medicaid funding.
2. Compared to most states I don't think property taxes in Indiana are high. I
understand that most property taxes are paid by businesses. Elimination of
property taxes might help the profit of larger corporations, but do very little
for the average tax payer. If property taxes were to be eliminated then the sales
tax or income tax would have to be increased
to offset the loss of revenue.
3. I do not support
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax. I would, however, like
to see motor vehicle fuel taxes used to help pay for local and state police.
Since both state and local police officers spend a significant amount of time
enforcing traffic laws I thinking funding for these services should be from
motor vehicle fuel taxes. I would also like to see some gasoline tax money
returned to cities and counties to maintain local streets and roads. This would
reduce the amount of property taxes and COIT money used for this purpose.
4. If a new
interstate highway is to be built between Indianapolis and Evansville it should
be built using U.S. 41 and I-70 via Terre Haute. If the route between
Indianapolis, Terre Haute and Evansville could not be built using existing taxes
then I would suggest that it be built as a toll road. The State of Kentucky has
made effective use of toll roads to connect various parts of that State.
5. Nearly everyone is in favor of "reducing taxes," but many of those
who favor "reducing taxes" will complain loudly if a subsidy or
special program they favor is reduced or eliminated. It would be good if the
influence of special interest groups could be reduced. Indiana needs is to
attract companies that will provide high paying jobs to Indiana workers. We need
a highly educated work force to attract such companies so State government needs
to do what it can to make sure educational spending is effective.
State Senate District 24:
Connie Lawson (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
P.O. Box 327
Danville, IN 46122
Phone: (317) 745-6404
E-mail: S24@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s24/
State Senate District 28:
Beverly J. Gard (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3660 N. 50 E.
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 462-2527
E-mail: S28@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s28/
State Senate District 30:
Teresa Lubbers (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
6325 N. Guilford, Suite 202
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Phone: (317) 251-0757
E-mail: S30@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s30/
State Senate District 32:
Ken Kern (Uncertain)
5407 E. Pleasant Run Pkwy S. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: (317) 353-6038
E-mail:
Patricia Miller (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1041 South Muessing Road
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Phone: (317) 894-7023
E-mail: S32@ai.org
Website:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s32/
State Senate District 33:
Glenn L. Howard
(Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
1005 West 36th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Phone: (317) 923-1101
E-mail: S33@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s33/index.html
State Senate District 34:
Billie J. Breaux (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5155 N. Arlington Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Phone: (317) 546-8125
E-mail: S34@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s34/index.html
State Senate District 35:
Harvey Knox (Uncertain)
226 N. Reisner Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: (317) 637-1428
E-mail: hknox99196@aol.com
R. Michael Young (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3520 Beeler Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 595-0215
E-mail: S35@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s35/
State Senate District 36:
Lawrence
M. Borst (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
3315 Shelby St.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: (317) 787-5323
E-mail: S36@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s36/index.html
1. 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. Response: The
next Indiana two year budget should be enacted without
any general tax increase. I have asked for
budget cuts by the governor. There are no more surpluses or reserves to raid.
The economy must rebound in Indiana’s favor. New leadership is part of the
answer. The present budget did increase by less than one half of one percent,
which with the down economy may be too large to handle. I think that the economy
will be such that the present budget will be balanced by June, 2005.
2. 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." Voted for Senate Bill
264 to establish a commission studying the
elimination of property taxes
and alternative sources of revenue. Response: The
total elimination of the property tax should be studied. I also hope that such
elimination will be a campaign issue between the two men
seeking to become the next
governor. I attempted to create a dialogue this past session by writing and
introducing Senate
Bill 491. Opposition to the elimination is predictable. Education and local
government will be first in line. Each likes the idea of having a flexible cap,
one that can be readily increased. To achieve total elimination, some very tough
decisions must be made. Only the kind that a governor must make. Widen
the base of the sales tax is one option (should all medical services be
included?). My bill did
exempt all churches and religious institutions, but maybe some of the
non-profits should be assessed for fire and safety. Lots of questions and
guidance must come from the governor.
3.
Record: Sponsored the 2002 special session legislation that increased the gas tax
20% (from 15 to 18 cents per gallon). Response: I
would be willing to consider
exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing
the gasoline tax by another 5 cents.
I cannot recall this proposition coming before the general assembly.
4. I
am
not in favor of either a gasoline tax increase
or bonding for the construction of I-69.
I am not in favor of building I-69 as long as the northern terminus comes
through Perry Township. The next governor must decide if it wise to spend the
extra billion dollars to build a new roadway or to save that amount with an
I-70/US 41 upgrade. That billion could construct a lot of roads throughout the
state.
5. (NOTE: see the Legislative Voting Record).
The just passed Senate
Bill 1 seeks to control spending at the local level. Increased budgets
translate into higher property taxes. The recent escalation of property taxes in
some areas of the state was due to two things: an unusual increase in local
budget requests and the market value assessments. Assessment by market value was
done in order to create a level playing field from one neighborhood to another.
Indiana will not see an escalation of taxes like the one seen in 2003 in the
foreseeable future. I would think that some growing areas will see a reduction
in their tax bills. Since I have been in the legislature, the sales tax has
increased by four cents, three of those cents are used completely for property
tax relief and the other cent is for education. This translates into a
thirty-three percent decrease in a homeowner’s property Tax bill. I have also
seen the elimination of the inventory tax, the corporate gross receipts tax, and
a $240 million dollar reduction in the individual’s auto excise tax bill. An
increase in the individual gross, under Governor Orr, was used to balance the
state budget. The O’Bannon increase of cigarette and gaming taxes was used to
further increase property tax relief and to fund the present budget. I am for a
progressive Indiana, but if the state cannot pay the required bills, then the
state should wait till another time.
Terry Rice (Uncertain)
1665 Danaher Street
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Phone: (317) 789-4834
E-mail:
Brent
Waltz
(Uncertain)
1887 S. Hunters Ridge Lane
Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: (317) 889-7942
Cell: (317) 435-0195
E-mail: bwaltz@indy.net
Website:
1-5. DID NOT RESPOND to this Primary Election Questionnaire.
State Senate District 37:
Richard D. Bray (Uncertain)
210 E. Morgan Street
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (765) 342-6814
E-mail: S37@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s37/
Kristin Szczerbik (Uncertain)
RR 1, Box 633-C
Cloverdale, IN 46120
Phone: (765) 795-3824
E-mail:
State Senate District 40:
R. Dale Cassiday (Uncertain)
Phone: (
E-mail:
Vi Simpson (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
4965 W. Woodland Dr.
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812) 876-2908
E-mail: S40@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/homepages/s40/index.html
State Senate District 42:
Robert N. Jackman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
352 W. St Rd 244
Milroy, IN 46156
Phone: (765) 629-2010
E-mail: S42@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s42/
Barry A. Welsh (Uncertain)
P. O. Box 419
Laurel, IN 47024
Phone: (765) 698-2588
E-mail: bwelsh@sisna.com
State Senate District 44:
Becky Skillman (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
220 Eastlake Drive
Bedford, IN 47421
Phone: (812) 277-1623
E-mail: S44@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s44/
State Senate District 50:
Greg Server (Uncertain)
5601 Springlake Drive
Evansville, IN 47710
Phone: (812) 426-2865
E-mail: S50@ai.org
Website: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s50/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire
May 4, 2004, Republican Primary Election
Governor
Neither Candidate Daniels nor Candidate Miller deigned to respond to the Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire. However, they both have enough of a public record to have some of their views on important issues recorded in the following Candidate Questionnaire.
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).
Mitch Daniels - DID
NOT RESPOND. RECORD (April 25, 2004, Indianapolis Star):
The governor has a constitutional duty to see that the budget is balanced.
Although a thorough house-cleaning of spending programs is long overdue, it
is not likely that we can cut our way out of our current fiscal emergency.
It is essential that we have more individuals and businesses making more
income and paying taxes to support the improvements we want to make as a
state. In a situation as desperate as this one, we
can't rule anything out; everything must be on the table for consideration.
There is a positive side to our fiscal emergency, however. At moments like
this, hard decisions become more thinkable.
Eric Miller - DID
NOT RESPOND. RECORD (April 25, 2004, Indianapolis Star):
We have a $1 billion deficit not because Hoosier workers don't pay enough
in taxes, but because state government
spends too much. I will veto
any budget that spends more than we receive, I will find
and eliminate government waste, and I will impose a spending cap to get
government spending under control. I will not raise taxes on Hoosier
families. The answer is not to raise taxes, but to create more good-paying
jobs. I am the only candidate pledging not
to raise taxes.
2. What do you think of (a) the Property Tax Replacement Study
Commission established to study the elimination of all or part of the
current property tax and (b) a senior and disabled individuals property
tax deferral program? (Background: House Bill 1005 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=1005
and information about the property tax deferral program can be found
online at http://www.finplaneducation.net/property_tax_deferral_program.htm.)
Mitch Daniels - DID NOT
RESPOND.
Eric Miller - 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).
Mitch Daniels - DID NOT
RESPOND.
Eric Miller - DID NOT
RESPOND.
4. What is your position regarding tax increases to build an interstate
from Indianapolis to Evansville?
Mitch Daniels - DID
NOT RESPOND. RECORD (November 26, 2003 Indianapolis
Star): Candidate Daniels "enthusiastically"
endorses a new-terrain extension of I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville.
He thinks the northern end of the extension should be changed from I-465
in Marion County to I-70 near Indianapolis International Airport. He wants
the state to consider turning the I-69 extension into a toll road.
Eric Miller - DID
NOT RESPOND. RECORD: Candidate Miller prefers
a less costly I-70 / US 41 route for an extension of I-69 extension
from Indianapolis to Evansville. He opposes a new-terrain extension.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website?
Mitch Daniels - DID NOT
RESPOND. Website: https://www.mymanmitch.com/index.asp
Eric Miller - DID NOT
RESPOND. Website: http://www.ericmiller2004.com/
Eric Miller has a Taxpayer Friendly candidate rating from Watchdog Indiana. Candidate Miller pledges to not raise taxes and vows to veto any state budget that spends more than the revenue received. He also prefers a less costly I-70 / US 41 route for an extension of I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville.
Mitch Daniels has an Uncertain candidate rating from Watchdog Indiana. When Candidate Daniels states that "everything must be on the table for consideration" for the state's 2005-2007 biennium budget, it is just another way of saying that he will consider tax increases. This is disturbing when one considers that state spending has increased 25.18 percent, or 2.39 times more than inflation, since the last balanced budget in 1999. Candidate Daniels' enthusiastic support for a toll-road, new-terrain extension of I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville is likewise troubling because (1) costs for new terrain interstates always escalate, (2) taxes will increase because the political climate does not support spending cuts for interstate construction, (3) the positive economic impact of highway projects is exaggerated, (4) unnecessary environmental damage would result, and (5) temporary highway construction job increases would be paid for by inefficiently administered highway spending.
All Republican Primary voters are encouraged to contact Mitch Daniels (info@mymanmitch.com) and Eric Miller (http://www.ericmiller2004.com/contacteric.htm) to try and get their questions answered so as to make an informed decision at the ballot box on May 4!
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