Candidate Ratings: 2012 Contested Primary Elections

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Candidates in contested Indiana General Assembly primary elections are listed below by District Number. You need your State Representative and State Senator District Numbers to determine if there are contested General Assembly elections on your May 8, 2012, primary election ballot. To find your Indiana House and Indiana Senate District Numbers, you can go to Who Are Your Elected Officials? at http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/, enter your residence address information, and click on the "State" tab.

Information from responses to the Candidate Questionnaire below, together with the Indiana General Assembly & Governor Ratings and other information sources (such as public comments and campaign platform statements), have been used to rate each of the General Assembly candidates in the May 8, 2012, contested primary elections as either Taxpayer Friendly, Uncertain, Taxpayer UNfriendly, or POLITICAL HOG.

Taxpayer Friendly candidates are results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally responsible, and they are not expected to increase the state and local tax burdens of Hoosier working families during this time of recovery from the Great Recession.

Some candidates have an Uncertain rating because of a limited or mixed public record.

Taxpayer UNfriendly candidates believe the greatest good is served when the fist of government is shoved ever deeper in the wallet of everyday working families.

A POLITICAL HOG is a Taxpayer UNfriendly candidate today who in 2007 also voted himself or herself a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working family earns during an entire year. POLITICAL HOGS care more about feeding at the public trough than they do serving the needs of Hoosier working families.

General Assembly Candidate Questionnaire for the May 8, 2012, Primary Election:

Note: Comments fully explaining Questionnaire answers are encouraged and appreciated!

1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained?

2. BACKGROUND: Only 12.8 cents of our 18 cents per gallon Indiana Gasoline Tax go directly to the construction and maintenance of our streets, roads, and highways without borrowing. For both the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fiscal years, $143.6 million in appropriations are made from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account WITHIN the state budget Transportation category to functional state budget categories OUTSIDE the Transportation category. The Indiana Gas Tax Reform Plan to better use our Indiana Gasoline Tax dollars would increase transportation funding by (a) 2% in the State Highway Fund, (b) 45% to counties, and (c) 46% to cities and towns: see http://www.finplaneducation.net/gas_tax_reform.htm. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs?

3. BACKGROUND: The likelihood for an Automatic Taxpayer Refund after 2012 was lessened when the excess reserves threshold was increased from 10% to 12.5% during the 2012 General Assembly session. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated?

4. BACKGROUND: Homeowners rely on the following assessed value deductions to control their property tax burden: (a) the Homestead Standard Deduction is the lesser of $45,000 or 60% of the home’s gross assessed value, (b) the Homestead Supplemental Deduction (after subtracting the $45,000 standard deduction) is 35% of the first $600,000 of net assessed value plus 25% of any net assessed value that exceeds $600,000. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change?

5. BACKGROUND: Watchdog Indiana supports placing the public question "Shall the township government be retained?" on the ballot in every county as part of a township government reform effort to (a) make the delivery of township services more consistent and professional, (b) consolidate fire protection services to save tax dollars, (c) improve township government oversight, and (d) curtail the practice of accumulating excessive township fund balances without corresponding decreases in property tax rates: see http://www.finplaneducation.net/township_government_reform.htm. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform?

6. BACKGROUND: Watchdog Indiana supports much improved oversight over redevelopment commissions by (a) the legislative or fiscal body of the taxing unit that created a redevelopment commission, (b) the State Board of Accounts, and (c) everyday Hoosiers through the public meeting and public records laws: see http://www.finplaneducation.net/redevelopment_commissions_oversight.htm. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight?

7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website?

State Representative District 2:

Ricardo (Rick) Garcia (Uncertain)
4311 Ivy St.
East Chicago, IN 46312
Phone: (219) 392-9030
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Earl L. Harris (Uncertain)

State Representative District 3:

Charlie Brown (POLITICAL HOG)

Tony Walker (Uncertain)
363 S. Lake St.
Gary, IN 46403
Phone: (219) 887-2626
E-mail: tony@walkerlawgroup.biz
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 5:

Dale R. DeVon (Uncertain)
17871 State Road 23
South Bend, IN 46635
Phone: (574) 271-0686
E-mail: dale@daledevon.com; dale@devoncustomhomes.com
Website: http://daledevon.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Cory D. Stith (Uncertain)
57018 Guernsey Ave..
Osceola, IN 46561
Phone: (574) 876-3475
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 8:

C. Michael Beebe (Uncertain)
6601 N. SR 39
LaPorte, IN 46360
Phone: (219) 369-2277
E-mail: Michael@MichaelBeebe.com
Website: http://michaelbeebe.com/Welcome.html
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Richard Pfeil (Uncertain)
51707 Oakbrook Court
Granger, IN 46530
Phone: (574) 286-8400
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be replenished. ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): If elected to the Indiana House, you can count on me to work hard to promote economic growth, cut taxes, slash government waste, and promote and defend conservative family values. After 40 years creating jobs around here, it’s pretty clear to me what we need to do in the legislature to turn things around. Deliver property tax relief, fight wasteful spending and cut job-killing taxes.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I am seeking the opportunity to take my experience and passion for the community to the Indiana House. I am a fiscal and social conservative Republican and strong believer in the constitution, limited government, and the free enterprise system. Please know that I will aggressively work for common sense, responsive leadership in Indianapolis while seeking opportunities to expand and grow job opportunities right here in Northern Indiana. If you want a Representative who will fight to lower your taxes, create jobs and work for fiscal responsibility, then I ask you to vote for me in the upcoming election on November 2nd.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 11:

Lon P. Childress (Uncertain)
9549 W. 159th Ave.
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-0474
E-mail: marine7813@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Al Cottingham (Uncertain)
222 East St.
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-3210
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

John T. Hart (Uncertain)
14207 Wheeler St.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 374-5257
E-mail: hartfor11@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Rick Niemeyer (Uncertain)
13304 W. 181st Avenue
Lowell, IN 46356
Phone: (219) 696-7016
E-mail: auctioneerrick@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Eric L. Olson (Uncertain)
7417 W. 140th Pl.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 374-8984
E-mail: ericolson2012@gmail.com
Website: http://olsonforindiana.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 12:

William I. (Bill) Fine (Taxpayer Friendly)
1341 Fitzgerald Drive
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 838-4800
E-mail: Bill@finein12.com
Website: http://www.finein12.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes, if I understand the question correctly.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. As it is this is just a partially disguised sales tax and high gas prices (with resulting less gas consumption) is likely to reduce the revenues from the gas tax while the need for capital improvements goes up.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I want the legislature to develop a comprehensive plan to reform the township system, but in the absence of that effort, a county referendum makes sense. I fear though that in counties where the township represents a strong political influence they will simply be retained. Not only do I disfavor this extra level of government, but I believe that poor relief is a Hoosier obligation and should not be a township tax burden. The poor relief system needs to be coordinated with the State welfare system and it needs a wider source of revenue.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I would extend this oversight to all governmental bodies. Rather than just getting warning notices and reprimands from the State Board of Accounts, I would like to require local government to hire independent auditors who would directly certify all improprieties to the Attorney General. As it is, there is no efficient or effective remedy for bad practices.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Peter N. Karagan (Uncertain)
1930 Cherrywood Ct.
Munster, IN 46321
Phone: (219) 924-4433
E-mail: pnkccre@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 13:

Sharon Negele (Uncertain)
401 E. Pike St.
Attica, IN 47918
Phone: (765) 585-1079
E-mail: negele@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Dan Young (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 418
Attica, IN 47918
Phone: (765) 299-6693
E-mail: dan@dryounglaw.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: I support balanced budget amendments for both Federal and State governments. Although I appreciate Indiana's debt prohibition, I want to see the efforts to balance the ENTIRE budget. Basically, I believe that al government entities should do as responsible taxpayers' do: operate within their means.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Although I am a Purdue University alumnus and always enjoy the Rube Goldberg competitions, I agree with your organization's remise that Transportation Funding needs revamping and I would like to see more money directly allocated to infrastructure. However, I need additional information about the matter - particularly viable options as to State Police funding - before I can decisively opine on the matter or give a direct answer. But, I am certainly open to researching and being educated about this plan or others.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I would prefer that the State never take more from the taxpayers than is absolutely necessary to perform its critical functions. I am not sure that I like the threshold increase. Perhaps I am cynical when it comes to government's use of our money, but I fear that if more money is available to be spent by an entity then that entity will do all it can to ensure that there will be any "excess" to refund. I would also prefer a non-refundable credit to those who paid toward the excess.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I am not a proponent of progressive taxes and favor a more flat tax system. Punishing those who make more leads to the type of class warfare rhetoric we hear now out of Washington. As Thomas Jefferson so prophetically-stated, "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." If the Homestead Deductions are the only way to limit what those who will not work (government included) can take from those who do, than I favor their retention.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I support the education of voters as to the issue and the use of their voter privilege to decide what is best for their community. I also support any true reform efforts that result in consistent and professional public service, tax savings, improved oversight, and minimized coercive taking of property.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I am a fan of any conservative and results-driven action that limits bureaucratic discretion or fiat. The Framers were not shortsighted in their implementation of a system of checks and balances over government.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Although I have no direct knowledge of your organization, I want to make it clear to you and my constituents that I will close the door on no one who desires to work with me to make life better for Hoosiers. I am not an establishment designee and as a Reagan Republican I will welcome all to the table who have good ideas and who are willing to intelligently debate an issue. Although there are certain convictions I maintain, in the role of legislator I will balance those convictions with the will of the people. Those who wish to work with me to improve Indiana and the lives of its people, then you may email me at dan@dryounglaw.com. I do not have a website, but I do have a facebook page.

State Representative District 14:

Sherman D. Carson (Uncertain)
2831 West 65th Avenue
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 944-7767
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Vernon G. Smith (POLITICAL HOG)

State Representative District 16:

Diana J. Boersma (Uncertain)
2748 W. 1400 N.
Wheatfield, IN 46392
Phone: (219) 956-2220
E-mail: djboersma16@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Douglas L. Gutwein (Taxpayer Friendly)

Richard W. (Rich) Ludington (Uncertain)
410 S. Melville St.
Rensselaer, IN 47978
Phone: (219) 863-6185
E-mail: rluding@msn.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

John "the man" Malan (Uncertain)
Postal "matter" Box 242
Demotte, IN 46310
Phone: (219) 465-8971
E-mail: gweedothewireman@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006, Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve depletions will you support? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth while providing additional revenue to local governments? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax increases? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? RESPONSE: I am John Anthony, Malan and will be forty three years of age next week. I served my country honorably in the United States Marine Corps—recon marine. I currently am an electrician and receive work from a union hiring hall—International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This is my third time seeking a chair on the Indiana General Assembly. Since I am out of town and will not be available until after the election I am issuing this press release so as to clearly give notice to all, as to what my research has identified as being problems for the people. First let me say that I am not a politician or an attorney. The word politics can be split into two words—poly meaning many and tics meaning blood sucking creatures. If elected to service I will be a statesman not a politician. A statesman is for the people and the country — a politician serves his own belly. The issues are as follows:
1. Land Grab—non-governmental organizations (ngo’s) continue to purchase land for pennies on the "dollar" in order to turn certain parcels into wildlife preserves pursuant to Agenda 21 of the United Nations. Thousands of acres of land are now removed from the property tax rolls.
2. CAFR— the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report shows billions in surplus. The STATE fraudulently has a second set of books called the annual budget. These books always show deficits and are their basis for increasing all taxes.
3.The Judiciary continues to legislate from the bench—the Indiana Judicial Conference has no common people on the rule making committees.
4. Privatization of the peoples departments of government must cease—e.g. Indiana Department of Commerce.
5. Property and "income" taxes are too high.
These are a few areas that I will work on, if the people on the 15^th District consent. This country is dying. We must, one state at a time remove the tyrants who govern and restore the Constitutional Republic. May God bless this country again.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 4, 2004, Primary Election
1-4. The Candidate Questionnaire issues are over my head!
5. Biography: I originally hail from Brooklyn, New York. From 1980 till 1984 I served as a Recon Marine in the 2^nd 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 19^th 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 17:

Francis K. Ellert (Uncertain)
1701 Pidco Dr.
Plymouth, IN 46563
Phone: (574) 842-2631
E-mail: fellert@hotmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Timothy P. Harman (Uncertain)
209 N. Main St.
Bourbon, IN 46504
Phone: (574) 315-9084
E-mail: harmanforstaterep@yahoo.com
Website: http://harmanforstaterep.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 21:

Randy L. Conner (Uncertain)
57674 Priscilla Court
Elkhart, IN 46517
Phone: (574) 370-2057
E-mail: dolphconner@frontier.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Timothy Wesco (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Representative District 22:

Jon D. Hare (Uncertain)
12528 N 250 E
Milford, IN 46542
Phone: (574) 518-0393
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Rebecca Kubacki (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Representative District 24:

Steven Braun (Uncertain)
8099 Hunt Club Rd.
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 319-3418
E-mail: stevebraun@stevebraunforindiana.com
Website: http://www.stevebraunforindiana.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Taxpayers should come first, and government should live within its means.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from campaign website): Politicians need to be out of the business of picking winners and losers in the private sector.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Mindi Fisher McMillan (Uncertain)
8475 E 500 S
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 769-3830
E-mail: mindimcmillan@rocketmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 25:

Donald J. Lehe (Taxpayer Friendly)

Franklyn Voorhies (Uncertain)
416 N. Indiana St.
Delphi, IN 46923
Phone: (574) 297-6485
E-mail: FranklynVoorhies@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 26:

Rick Cornstuble (Uncertain)
1012 Surrey Lane
Lafayette, IN 47909
Phone: (765) 474-4638
E-mail: rickcornstuble@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Eric A. Thiel (Uncertain)
12 Circle Lane Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 430-8598
E-mail: eric@dcwi.com
Website: http://dcwi.com/~eric/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 27:

Chuck Hockema (Taxpayer Friendly)
137 Prophet Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 208-9321
E-mail: info@chuckhockema.com
Website: http://www.chuckhockema.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: The State currently has too many tax revenue streams. I advocate reducing the number of different taxes that are collected. Each additional type of tax brings more oversight, additional administrative costs, and compliance difficulties. More revenue streams provided through a variety of taxes also make it difficult for people to understand the total tax burden they feel in their wallets. I believe there are a large number of our residents who are not even aware that they are paying an Indiana State gas tax and additional sales tax every time they go to the pump. The main theory behind gas tax is that those who use the road should pay for their upkeep and construction. However, all Hoosiers benefit from the use of the transportation system in Indiana. Even those who do not drive are shuttled to and from schools, use public transportation, receive deliveries from online purchases; services are brought to their homes, etc. Any potentially negative tax collection effect from people in adjacent states that cross our border to fill up their tank (which has practical limitations) and people passing through would be mitigated by the additional economic boost to Indiana. While demand for gas is fairly inelastic, I would still expect higher demand for Indiana fuel and a very positive overall effect on all business and family budgets. We can ensure that the State’s transportation needs are being fully met through general taxes collected. The accounting would be simpler, more difficult to manipulate, and more transparent to the public.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: The state should not be collecting taxes not needed to carry out their constitutional duties.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes, unless the tax burden can be reduced more.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I am a little conflicted on this question and would like to research the subject more. While local control is often best, each county should make an informed decision as to whether they need another layer of government and its corresponding time and money requirements. There are many townships that have managed the needs of their people with very little funding and are able to draw on volunteers in their respective communities. Eliminating volunteer fire departments, for instance, is not likely to save money through consolidation. The State should allow each of these counties to reform townships if they so choose.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I am in favor of public oversight, but believe these commissions would be unnecessary if the business climate in Indiana were as good as it can be. Companies I have owned and operated had many opportunities to do business in ways that would generate funds from the Redevelopment Commission, but I have never found a scenario where it made enough business sense to participate. I will focus on reducing taxes and regulations that impede good economic growth.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I studied economics and finance as part of my business management degree from Purdue. I received the University’s highest academic distinction and have created and operated successful businesses in my district since my sophomore year in college. In 2002 I went back to school and received a law degree. My years of real world legal and business experience, including working on school choice legislation, helped me advocate for business and fiscal responsibility and make me the most taxpayer friendly candidate.

Jan Payne (Uncertain)
800 S. 22nd St.
Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
E-mail: info@wabashvalleytrust.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 29:

Steven R. Powell (Taxpayer Friendly)
106 Westminster Drive
Noblesville, IN 46060
Phone: (317) 776-9326
E-mail: mypowellforthehouse@yahoo.com
Website: www.mypowellforthehouse.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Once a month I receive a statement from my bank. I sit down and go through each item and make sure that I have accounted correctly and BALANCE my account. There should be no reason that we as a State can not do the same thing. I agree that the 2013 - 2015 State Budget should be balanced where current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues. In order to do this there may need to be times where a delayed and or one-time transfer may be needed, but I would be extremely cautious in approving these types of actions, and would consider them as a last resort action. I also agree with maintaining a 5% reserve balance.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: I would support the Indiana gas Tax Reform Plan.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Even though the possibility of a Tax refund was lessened, I would be in favor of maintaining the current excess reserves at 12.5%.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I am in favor of maintaining the Homestead Standard/Supplemental deductions without any changes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I would support placing the public question "Shall the township government be retained?" on the ballot in every county as part of a township government reform.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Government needs to be transparent, and the general public should be well informed about how and where their tax dollars are being spent.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I support Government that exists within its means. I support smaller Government that allows businesses to create jobs. I support a balanced State budget. Facebook: My Powell for the House.

Kathy Kreag Richardson (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Representative District 34:

Karen Brand (Uncertain)
1216 S. Mound
Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Sue E. Errington (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
3200 Brook Drive
Muncie, IN 47304
Phone: (765) 282-3581
E-mail: SueErrington@comcast.net
Website: http://www.sueerrington.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be replenished. ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on House Joint Resolution 1 to deny voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a legislative person.
Voted YES on House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR 1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 396, which mandates an adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted NO on Senate Joint Resolution 1, which amended the Indiana Constitution beginning 2012 to include a cap on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until the 1% cap takes effect in 2020.
Voted NO on House Bill 1001 SS, the 2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families from state and local tax increases. A YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 348 to have a Library Services Plan developed and approved by a Public Library Service Planning Committee (with an "opt out" referendum provision) in every county (except Marion County) to help more effectively use working family dollars currently spent on library services (with the option to equitably replace public library property taxes with a county economic development income tax).
Voted YES on Senate Bill 452 to prohibit employees of a local government unit from serving as elected officials within the same local government unit, move the elections of municipal officers to even-numbered years, move all school board member elections to the November general election in even-numbered years, establish the use of vote centers as an option for all counties, and require a city clerk-treasurer in a third class city to attend fiscal officer training provided by the state board of accounts.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 506 to (1) allow a single County Chief Executive Officer or County Manager, (2) allow the County Council or the Board of County Supervisors to exercise both the fiscal and legislative powers of the county, (3) provide for voter-initiated referendums on county government reorganization, (4) repeal the requirement that political subdivisions must approve local government reorganizations initiated by voters, (5) assign the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations four responsibilities to identify and monitor good local government practices, (6) prohibit County Manager nepotism, (7) repeal unproductive reporting requirements, and (8) continue to elect the County Assessor.
Voted NO on Senate Bill 512 to (1) abolish on January 1, 2013, each township board in every county (other than Marion County) and make the county fiscal body also the fiscal body and legislative body of each township, (2) require a township when formulating an annual budget to consider whether the part of the ending balance in each township fund in excess of 10% of budgeted expenditures should be used instead of imposing additional property taxes for the ensuing year, (3) prohibit a relative of a township officer or employee from being employed by the township in a position that would put the relative in a direct supervisory or subordinate relationship with the officer or employee, (4) require a township trustee's annual report to list separately each expenditure to reimburse the trustee for the trustee's public business use of personal property, (5) require each township office to include the address, phone number, and regular office hours (if any) of the township office in at least one local telephone directory, (6) prohibits a public meeting or a public hearing of a township official or governing body from being held in a private residence, and (7) requires the State Board of Accounts to submit an annual township examination report to the executive director of the Legislative Services Agency and to county councils.
Voted YES on House Bill 1607 to require a referendum before establishing a Northern Indiana Regional Transportation District, which is a new tax-imposing level of Indiana government in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties controlled by a board with unrestricted powers (where most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community).
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Senate Joint Resolution 1 passed the Indiana Senate 40-7 and the Indiana House 79-20 on March 14, 2008, and was signed by the Governor on March 19, 2008. SJR 1 amends the Indiana Constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1% of assessed value, rental and agricultural property at 2%, and business property at 3%. For property taxes first due and payable in 2012, 90 of Indiana's 92 counties must have a homeowner property tax cap that is 1% of the gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The result of these two existing debt service exemptions equates to a 1.88% homeowner cap in Lake County and a 1.52% homeowner cap in St. Joseph County. The homeowner caps for Lake and St. Joseph counties must become 1% in 2020. The exact same version of SJR 1 that passed in 2008 must again pass in the General Assembly in 2009 to put the 1% constitutional homeowner property tax cap amendment on the 2010 ballot. We the people can then vote to make the 1% homeowner property tax cap a permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. Never has it been so easy to separate those who are part of the property tax relief solution from those who are part of the property tax spending problem. A General Assembly candidate who pledges to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009 is part of the solution, otherwise the legislator is part of the problem. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? DID NOT RESPOND. Watchdog E-mail (06/30/2008): "I confronted Senator Errington on the issue of voting for the tax caps next Session and she backstepped and wouldn't commit, indicating 'it may take some time to see if we've done the right thing'."
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
2008 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on Senate Joint Resolution 1, which amended the Indiana Constitution beginning 2012 to include a cap on homestead property tax in 90 counties at 1% of gross assessed value. Until 2020, existing debt service prior to July 1, 2008, is exempted from the 1% homeowner gross assessed value cap in Lake and St. Joseph counties ONLY. The effective constitutional homeowner property tax caps in Lake and St. Joseph counties are 1.88% and 1.52% respectively until the 1% cap takes effect in 2020.
Voted YES on House Bill 1001, which phases in the SJR 1 constitutional property tax caps by 2010. Also, 2008 property taxes are reduced 26% from the prior year. An increase in the sales tax from 6% to 7% and local option income taxes will be used to replace the property tax revenue reductions that result from the property tax caps.
2007 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House Bill 1001, the budget bill that is Taxpayer Friendly because the General Fund & Property Tax Replacement Fund $26.0722 billion expenditures total for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years is less than the $26.1946 billion revenues total. HB 1001 also includes additional homestead credits from the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund of $300 million in 2007 and $250 million in 2008.
Voted YES on House Bill 1478, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly for the following reasons: (1) Homeowner property taxes will increase 1.2% each year from 2009 through 2013 with annual decreases in the Homestead Standard Deduction. (2) The 2% Circuit Breaker Cap on residential property taxes passed by the General Assembly in 2006 has been watered down to the point where it is almost eliminated. (3) The new local option income tax for property tax relief will be offset by future property tax increases unless the new local option income tax to replace property tax increases is implemented. (4) Using the new local option income tax to replace property tax increases means that income tax increases on Hoosier working families would lower the proportionate tax burden of businesses and utilities by freezing business and utility property taxes without a corresponding increase in other business and utility taxes. (5) A new local option income tax has been authorized for public safety.
Voted YES on House Bill 1835,which is Taxpayer Friendly because it uses slot machine licensing fees and wagering taxes to establish the Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund, which is to be used for property tax relief in any manner prescribed by the General Assembly.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 401, which is Taxpayer UNfriendly because state legislators voted themselves a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working family earns during an entire year. SB 401 also eliminated taxpayer-paid lifetime health insurance and the $4 taxpayer match for each $1 of legislator pension contribution, but General Assembly members should not have received an excessive salary increase in return for eliminating extravagant perks they should not have in the first place.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7, 2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm, Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION: Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales, and other taxes? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm). QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total revenues for the next biennium? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead Deduction for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the average homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be continued beyond 2007? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTIONS: Should the state pay for full-day kindergarten? If YES, where should the state get the funds needed for full-day kindergarten? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road ("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges. QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain I-69 extension without state tax increases? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION: Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69 extension? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006, Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve depletions will you support? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth while providing additional revenue to local governments? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax increases? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.

David Walker (Taxpayer Friendly)
2819 E. Jackson
Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: (765) 288-1084
E-mail: DWalker4rep@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: (a) Yes. (b) Maybe. (c) No.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? No.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Calumet Township had such a referendum approximately seven years ago, and the citizens voted to retain township government. I support this mandate.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I favor the municipalities' finance body ratifying decisions of a redevelopment commission where there is a significant fiscal impact.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: No.

State Representative District 37:

Debbie Driskell (Uncertain)
111 Creekside Lane
Fishers, IN 46038
Phone: (317) 501-7222
E-mail: Debbie@debbiedriskell.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Todd Huston (Uncertain)
12620 Duval Drive
Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: (317) 570-8045
E-mail: tohuston@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 38:

David E. Brown (Uncertain)
8455 E 50 S
Zionsville, IN 46077
Phone: (317) 435-6995
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Heath VanNatter (Taxpayer Friendly)

Stephen A. Wilson (Taxpayer Friendly)
406 Venetian Way
Kokomo, IN 46901
Phone: (765) 459-5692
E-mail: wilsonslta@sbcglobal.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes, I believe the state government should be responsible and manage its "checkbook" just like Hoosier families. Delayed payments, especially to the public schools, can increase the operating costs. They have to take loans at varying interest rates from the commercial banking system to meet financial obligations.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved. If the state has excessive reserves, especially above 10%, then the taxpayers should receive a refund, not a credit on the following year's taxes. If the state has pressing needs, like roads or bridges in need of prompt repair, then perhaps a referendum could be used to let the taxpayers decide to take a large sum of money to make the repairs quickly and forego the refund. I could also see the state using reserves above 10% to capitalize the pension funds to make them financially stable.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes. With so many families struggling to keep their homes, the loss of these deductions would increase property taxes. This could potentially lead to more foreclosures and extend the economic struggles of so many families in the state.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I would like to see the matter go the voters rather than being resolved by the state legislature. I believe local control is paramount in delivering the best use of the taxpayers' money. It is not fair to struggling families when townships are accumulating money beyond what is needed to pay for services. There should still be a seamless emergency response system available in each county to respond rapidly when needed. There should also be robust communication systems maintained between surrounding counties to best serve the citizens in the region. Tornadoes certainly do not recognize county lines.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Much like my answer to #5, I believe local control is the best way to oversee and use the taxpayers' money. This would lend a level of transparency which should lead to more accountability of spending the funds.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: My website is still under contruction.

State Representative District 42:

Jim Meece (Uncertain)
301 N. US Hwy 41
Bloomingdale, IN 47832
Phone: (765) 498-1811
E-mail: jimmeece@cebridge.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Alan P. Morrison (Uncertain)
3998 Country Wood
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Phone: (812) 208-2338
E-mail: alanmorrison2010@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Bill Webster (Taxpayer Friendly)
5191 S. Coxville Rd.
Montezuma, IN 47862
Phone: (765) 569-2385
E-mail: bill@billwebster.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be replenished. ANSWER: We should live within our means. I will not vote to raise taxes. K-12 is always a high priority. Yes, reserve funds should be replenished.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER: YES!
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: YES!
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Please join us on Facebook Bill Webster State Senate and visit our Website.

State Representative District 46:

Larry D. Barker (Uncertain)
4494 W. Lynwest Dr.
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812) 272-2869
E-mail: BarkerForMonroe@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

James R. (Jim) Mann II (Uncertain)
5 E. Gateway Dr.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 462-4252
E-mail: Amspectra1@msn.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Charles "Chuck" Toth (Uncertain)
4500 E. Paint Mill Dr.
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 243-4090
E-mail: Membermail@liuna.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 47:

Mark Meadows (Taxpayer Friendly)
6202 E. Roselyn Dr.
Mooresville, IN 46158
Phone: (317) 641-3945
E-mail: mark@electmarkmeadows.com
Website: http://www.electmarkmeadows.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: The answer is A and C. After a reserve balance is reached the current year appropriations should be kept in balance.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Absolutely.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved, after the 5% reserve it should all be sent back.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I do pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I supported the Foley plan last session to consolidate local government and the placing of an executive of the county.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Redevelopment commissions should be overseen by an elected official who has the power to stop any over reach of revenue generation and be accountable to the public for which he was elected by.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Please see my website or give me a call or email me for more info.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Yes I do.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: The state needs an immediate cut in spending of 8% across the board. Government should live within its means like everyone else. Also I will propose the new State Employee Bounty Program. This program has financial incentives for the people who see waste everyday, the office workers, managers and bookkeepers, and everyone else down the government food chain, to get a share in the wasted money that they recover … When they bring to the attention of the legislature where we could save for example 100 thousand dollars, then they have earned a 10 % commission bounty by saving us the other 90%. We need them on our side of the equation.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006, Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve depletions will you support? RESPONSE: I believe the only way to curb spending is not from the top down but from the inside out. I propose a new way of finding waste in government by letting the people who see it everyday, the office workers, managers and bookkeepers, and everyone else down the government food chain get a share in the money they find. If some one shows us where to save 1 million dollars of money that was going to be wasted by duplication or an obsolete program, then that person should receive 10% thats 100 thousand dollars they have earned, by saving us the other 900 k . These employees have no incentive NOT to spend our money; lets help them, help us all. And I believe that a government that governs least governs best. It’s only common sense.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth while providing additional revenue to local governments? REPONSE: freezing at current levels.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? RESPONSE: Absolutely not. The last thing we need is to reduce spendable income from the public.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax increases? RESPONSE: I’m afraid the decision for building this unneeded road was made long ago. Now its time for the dog and pony show. If its going to be built I would only support the tolling of it over the new part from Bloomington to Evansville . I am in favor of immediately leasing it out so it will become self sustaining.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.

John Price (Taxpayer Friendly)
3703 The Courts
Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: (317) 882-6478
E-mail: jlprice1333@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: I believe the answer is yes to all three above. It is imperative that we stick to a balanced budget and keep a limited cash reserve on hand for emergencies.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes, I believe that non-transportation appropriations for our Motor Vehicle Highway Account should go to the state’s General Fund so more or our gas tax can spent on our state, county and local roads.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I believe the automatic taxpayer refund should be maintained.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I think it is important that homeowners can continue to count on both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction. I think that during this current economy, no changes should be made.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I believe township government, as well as all government should be evaluated on its efficiency and service it’s providing to its constituents. Consolidation of some services should always be open for discussion.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I feel this should be done by elected officials who can be held accountable to their constituents. I also feel that the funds that are committed should be open and transparent to the public.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: As a current elected official, I have always tried to live within a balanced budget and continue to evaluate programs to find the most efficient and effective manner to provide services to the taxpayers.

John T. Young (Uncertain)
40 W. Court St., Ste. D
Franklin, IN 46131
Phone: (317) 878-5212
E-mail: ted@indianacriminaldefenseteam.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 48:

Jerry Brewton (Taxpayer Friendly)
9733 Old Port Cove
Bristol, IN 46507
Phone: (574) 202-7975
E-mail: JerryBrewton@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Absolutely. Appropriations should never exceed revenue. And government shouldn’t play games by delaying payments. Even a 5% reserve may not be adequate if we were faced with a combination of inflationary increases and an unexpected reduction in revenue.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: We need more transparency in government. I’d heard of this convoluted flowchart, but had not been able to locate a copy until you provided the above link. I will strongly support legislation to clear this up….as long as the net effect is not a tax increase.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Without a doubt the ATR should at least be maintained…and improved upon, if possible. Under no circumstance should it be eliminated. For me the larger question will be in determining what amount of reserve is reasonable.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: If we must have property tax then we must have these deductions. The only change I would possibly support would be to increase the deductions to lower the tax impact to our citizens.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Ultimately this is a decision that must be made by the people. I personally support any change that increases the efficiency and effectiveness of government. In many cases I suspect that would mean consolidating some services from the township to the county level. But again…it is a decision that would ideally be made by those who pay for those services.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Oversight by the elected legislative body will increase accountability. Without such oversight we end up with a bureaucracy that is not responsive (or responsible) to the people.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Unlike my opponent….I would NOT have been one of only four Republicans to vote AGAINST school choice. As a small business owner of nearly 40 years I understand what it means to be on the receiving end of government interference and red tape. We need business people in government, not bureaucrats and career politicians. We also need to consider term limits even at the State Rep level.

Timothy Neese (Taxpayer Friendly)

Randall Ty Weinley (Uncertain)
22268 Farmwood Dr.
Bristol, IN 46507
Phone: (574) 612-3092
E-mail: outlaw1965427@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 51:

Aaron Claudy (Uncertain)
6160 S 800 W
Pleasant Lake, IN 46779
Phone: (260) 475-5908
E-mail: aclaudy@re-comm.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Dennis J. Zent (Uncertain)
3030 N. Bay View Road
Angola, IN 46703
Phone: (260) 312-8060
E-mail: zentdds@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 52:

Gary Harbaugh (Taxpayer Friendly)
10420 Sun Hollow Pl.
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Phone: (260) 348-8454
E-mail: gary.harbaugh@gmail.com
Website: http://www.go-gary.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes, I support a balanced budget achieved without gimmicks or illusions.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: I support using gasoline tax only for transportation related purposes.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I would not eliminate it. I will need to study this issue further. I believe the state should maintain a reserve fund.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I support maintaining the deductions, but I cannot say they should never be changed. It could be that they should increase (or decrease) if there is great inflation or deflation in typical home values.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I believe reform is in order. As far as letting counties vote on abolition, I suggest we first seek reform and then allow abolition if there are two consecutive votes in favor of abolition. This is a complex issue that should be thoroughly vetted so that voters understand all of the implications. Generally, government that is closer to the people is better. I understand that there are abuses and that there is very little oversight of township government. If reform does not correct the problems or if people simply believe we are better off without it and so vote, then it is time to abolish it where it is not wanted.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I would support SB 25.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Paul Moss (Uncertain)
15608 Chilkat Trail
Huntertown, IN 46748
Phone: (260) 348-0099
E-mail: paulgmoss@frontier.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

David Powers (Uncertain)
2433 CR 34
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 564-5401
E-mail: info@powers4indiana.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Ben Smaltz (Uncertain)
302 Hunters Ridge
Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 573-0344
E-mail: vote@BenSmaltz.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 53:

Robert W. Cherry (Taxpayer Friendly)

Sam Weist (Uncertain)
106 E. Main St.
Markleville, IN 46056
Phone: (765) 533-2354
E-mail: t.markleville@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 55:

Sam Harvey (Uncertain)
615 Village Creek Rd.
Connersville, IN 47331
Phone: (765) 827-0230
E-mail: sam@samharvey2012.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Bob White (Taxpayer Friendly)
P.O. Box 566
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-5306
E-mail: citizensforbobwhite@comcast.net
Website: http://www.citizensforbobwhite.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes to each part of the question.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: This would only be possible when the state has a surplus in the general fund.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Should be maintained and used ONLY when the funds are available.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Agree with the referendum at the local level and also allow flexibility for counties to take steps that wish to incorporate into their governance process.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Agree with statement there needs to be additional oversight of redevelopment commissions.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Lora N. Williams (Taxpayer Friendly)
5718 W. St. Rd. 46
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-8373
E-mail: lora@williamslawoffice.com
Website: http://www.lorawilliams.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved - I would rather see taxes reduced by the excess amount so taxpayers are not loaning the government money only to get the money back in an interest-free-refund.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I want property taxes to be fair and equitable, and I do not want property taxes to be a burden on homeowners, especially seniors who have lived in their homes for many years. I will work to keep property taxes as low as possible in all circumstances.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I want government (at all levels) to be efficient and effective. I also want accountability and responsibility at all levels of government. I would support allowing each county to determine the best solution for that county, so long as efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and responsibility would be maintained.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I support oversight of all boards/commissions by elected officials who are accountable for the decisions of those boards/commissions.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Cindy Meyer Ziemke (Uncertain)
2014 Shrine Rd.
Batesville, IN 47006
Phone: (812) 216-8584
E-mail: clziemke@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 56:

Mark Ervin (Uncertain)
984 S. St. Rd. 1
Cambridge City, IN 47327
Phone: (765) 478-4494
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Richard (Dick) Hamm (Uncertain)
2266 Walnut Lane
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: (765) 935-1568
E-mail: hammsr@firstbankconnect.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Doug Williamson (Uncertain)
9303 Brooks Rd.
Williamsburg, IN 47393
Phone: (765) 238-0231
E-mail: DWilliamson929@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 60:

Keegan Clark (Uncertain)
489 E. Walnut St.
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (317) 514-8006
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Daniel Elliott (Taxpayer Friendly)
290 Nast Chapel Rd.
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (765) 352-0237
E-mail: daniel@electdanielelliott.com
Website: http://electdanielelliott.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes. Businesses and family have to balance their budgets and we should expect our states to follow the same standard.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. I believe most Hoosiers would find it logical that the Indiana Gasoline Tax should be used to the greatest extent possible to maintain and improve local roads.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Yes. It's important to the people of Indiana that legislators realize this is not "the State's" money. These are funds that are raised by working Hoosiers. If we have a surplus that is not expected we should return it to Hoosier taxpayers. After all, the funds belong to Hoosiers not the government.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes. I see no reason to adjust or change these deductions.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: While I believe that most trustees and Township boards are working hard to serve their communities there have been too many examples throughout the state of corruption or lack of transparency. Because of this I believe we need to address township reform and look to ways to modernize the system for the 21st Century. I believe local communities need to have a say in how those changes should take place so I would support a ballot initiative.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I believe redevelopment commissions are an important part of economic development within Indiana communities. But due to the nature of these commissions enhanced oversight would be an important tool to help strengthen trust between the commissions and citizens of a community.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: If you wish to know more about my campaign please go to my website.

Peggy Mayfield (Uncertain)
1825 Red Fox Ct. W.
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: (765) 342-3326
E-mail: peggy@peggymayfield.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 64:

James Amick (Uncertain)
491 W. 350 S.
Princeton, IN 47670
Phone: (812) 664-3980
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Thomas W. Washburne (Uncertain)
13445 Bender Rd.
Evansville, IN 47720
Phone: (812) 963-1147
E-mail: WashburneT@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 69:

Jim McCormick (Uncertain)
501 W. 4th Street
Seymour, IN 47274
Phone: (812) 522-4502
E-mail: mccormickj@cinergymetro.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Trent Wisner (Uncertain)
100 Shakers Way
North Vernon, IN 47265
Phone: (812) 371-3117
E-mail: twisnerforstate@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 70:

Alva J. "Jim" Kincaid Jr. (Uncertain)
3610 East Bradford Rd. NE
Greenville, IN 47124
Phone: (812) 736-2460
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Terry L. Miller (Uncertain)
6805 Glenwood Ln SE
Elizabeth, IN 47117
Phone: (812) 969-2398
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 72:

Sharon Grabowski (Uncertain)
1101 Burton Avenue
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: (812) 948-0282
E-mail: sgrabowski2009@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Thomas L. Lenfert (Uncertain)
828 Yenowine Ln
Georgetown, IN 47122
Phone: (812) 945-3311
E-mail: lenfertg@aol.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 77:

Levon M. Dozier (Uncertain)
5615 Kiowa Cr.
Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (812) 484-6355
E-mail: noveldozier@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Alan Leibundguth (Uncertain)
5206 Lincoln Ave.
Evansville, IN 47715
Phone: (812) 473-1972
E-mail: friends.of.guth@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 82:

Mike Caywood (Uncertain)
6015 McComb Rd.
Huntertown, IN 46748
Phone: (260) 637-9164
E-mail: caywoodmike@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes, the state budget must be balanced - no spending beyond revenues.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: I will need to study this issue more - this is a major concern for those living in rural areas. Many are concerned about how to keep their roads in good condition without raising taxes.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Again, I will need to study this more. Without more study, it seems like it might be more advisable to consider some sort of tax credit on state income tax in a subsequent year. This would create a savings through reduction of producing and mailing refunds to taxpayers. Before any refunds/tax credits are issued, all legislative mandates must be funded.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes, all current deductions must be maintained.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I support the retention of the current status of township govenment. It is especially important to those in rural and/or small communities. There might be some merit in consolidating township and city/county government duties in larger urban areas.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: There should always be the possibility of the people to have oversight over any commission activity.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Denise Lemmon (Uncertain)
5485 N 300 E
Kendallville, IN 46755
Phone: (260) 564-0613
E-mail: lemmon.denise@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

David L. Ober (Uncertain)
1886 E. 500 N.
Albion, IN 46701
Phone: (260) 636-3518
E-mail: dober@davidober.us
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Wesley Ortell (Uncertain)
775 E. 625 South
Wolcottville, IN 46795
Phone: (708) 417-7406
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 83:

Kathy Heuer (Taxpayer Friendly)

Keith R. Potter (Taxpayer Friendly)
7510 Cinereal Court
Roanoke, IN 46783
Phone: (260) 437-0574
E-mail: potter4rep@gmail.com
Website: www.keithpotter4rep.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes. The state constitution requires a balanced budget and we should not use accounting tricks to meet that standard. A 5% rainy day fund is a good goal.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: The goal is reasonable but I would need more information to answer this question.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: We should fund all unfunded liabilities before a taxpayer refund should be implemented. Excess money should then be refunded.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Many townships deliver needed services to their constituents. Townships are still vital in rural areas. I do believe we could consolidate in urban areas. It does not make sense to have a township government when the township is totally within a city or town. Also, it does not make sense to remove township government in rural areas where the services are needed.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Oversight by the people over government is always a positive.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 85:

Phyllis J. Pond (Taxpayer Friendly)

Denny Worman (Taxpayer Friendly)
9735 Gerig Road
Leo, IN 46765
Phone: (260) 403-8451
E-mail: dennyworman@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. Yes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. Focus on income tax issues.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Yes. Will increase states savings and help buffer the states school savings.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Yes. I do commercial marketing. I did the Cracker Barrel, Residence Inn Hotel, OBGYN Building on Illinois Road, Landmark Recreation / Reception Centre, and much more. I see the importance of these issues. Issue that hinders economic growth.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Yes. TIF programs, and others, needs better control.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: State Representative Phyllis Pond has been in office 34 years and as you can see we are losing our schools. What we need to focus on is the building of new jobs for Indiana. I work with many of the companies that are looking at Fort Wayne and surrounding Indiana sites for new developments. Governor Daniels Right to Work bill has played an enormous positive impact on new businesses and we need to keep moving forward. Truth is, once we produce more jobs we will strengthen the foundation of our schools funds and much more. Trying to get counties to pay additional tax dollars is like building a home without a foundation.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: I support Senate Joint Resolution 1 and I will do what is necessary to take away property tax for good.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: My main objective is to represent the people as the founding fathers did. I am concerned about the state of public education and respect for authority in the schools and society in general. My intention is to support the people and smaller government by a return to fundamental values.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006, Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve depletions will you support? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth while providing additional revenue to local governments? DID NOT RESPOND.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? DID NOT RESPOND.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax increases? DID NOT RESPOND.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 91:

Robert W. Behning (Taxpayer Friendly)

Michael S. Scott (Uncertain)
973 Pinewood Dr.
Plainfield, IN 46168
Phone: (317) 203-5424
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 92:

Brian M. Cooper (Uncertain)
1423 Gumwood Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Phone: (317) 345-7148
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Tyjuan Garrett (Uncertain)
3070 Firestone Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Phone: (317) 847-1927
E-mail: tyjuangarrett@hotmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Karlee D. Macer (Uncertain)
8832 Mario Creek Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Phone: (317) 291-8859
E-mail: karlee.m@sbcglobal.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Tim Motsinger (Uncertain)
6205 Hickorywood Drive
Speedway, IN 46224
Phone: (317) 299-8442
E-mail: eafrazier@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Brad Rider (Taxpayer Friendly)
837 Prairie Depot
Indianapolis, IN 46241
Phone: (317) 874-8770
E-mail: brad@bradrider.com
Website: http://www.bradrider.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: I am adamant about balancing and this is one of the reasons I want to be elected. My small business background will help to achieve this. The state budget should be balanced without gimmicks and not by hard working Indiana folks. It is also important to keep an adequate amount of reserves in case there is another economic downturn. I think reserves close to 10% are what we should shoot for during good economic times.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Indiana is the cross-roads of America and it is important that we continue to ensure our roads have adequate funding. I do think we need to work to direct more money to road funding. It’s important to note that a large portion of the money that is diverted goes to the State Police. There are also other issues that we need to keep in mind when talking about road funding. At both the state and federal levels, we rely largely on the gas tax. However, more and more people are turning to fuel efficient vehicles that travel more miles while using less gas – which means less money for roads even though people are driving on them more. This is a problem and we will need to continue to think of innovative ways to fund our roads.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I think a 10% reserve is a prudent level for reserves and will help ensure that Indiana can withstand economic downturns without having to raise taxes. I also think it is important to have the automatic taxpayer refund to ensure government sticks to only spending tax dollars on essential functions and returns any “extra” money to taxpayers.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: No, because I would eventually like Indiana to repeal property taxes all together. In the meantime, I do support these deductions to help ease the current burden.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I think it is important to always be looking for ways to make government at all levels more efficient and responsive to taxpayers. We are the only state in the country where every single person is covered by more than one layer of local government. Our system may have made sense back in the 1800s, when it took people days to get anywhere, but with today's technology we can be more efficient.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: The amount of authority given to unelected boards has been an ongoing issue in Indiana for quite some time. It is very important that the process is open and transparent. We need to continue to keep an eye on Redevelopment Commissions and look for ways to ensure oversight while retaining the needed flexibility to work efficiently.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Richard B. Scott, Sr. (Uncertain)
2407 Country Ln.
Indianapolis, IN 46234
Phone: (317) 281-4348
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Representative District 100:

Dan Forestal (Uncertain)
1101 N. Layman Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219
Phone: (317) 345-7148
E-mail: danforestal1983@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Zach Mulholland (Uncertain)
741 Sanders Street
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 694-9388
E-mail: zachmulholland@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Senate District 3:

Earline S. Rogers (POLITICAL HOG)

David Vinzant (Uncertain)
1535 W. 4th Place
Hobart, IN 46342
Phone: (219) 942-5781
E-mail: dave@davevinzant.com; vinzant2012@gmail.com
Website: http://www.vinzant2012.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Darren L. Washington (Uncertain)
701 Lincoln St.
Gary, IN 46402
Phone: (219) 882-052
E-mail: DWashington@garycsc.k12.in.us
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Senate District 8:

Jim Arnold (Taxpayer UNfriendly)

Austin Griffin (Taxpayer Friendly)
10164 North Ruby Road
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 778-9575
E-mail: GriffinForSenate@gmail.com
Website: www.austingriffinstatesenate.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: YES. I believe in a balanced budget. A reserve balance should be higher than 5% but you have written "at least" so I must agree with that.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: YES. It is important to maintain the state’s General Fund so more or our gas tax can spent on our state, county and local roads. This is important for new Economic Development as well as the ingress/egress of the farmer.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Improved. In 2011, the surplus came in at 9.1% thus the 10% taxpayer refund did not kick in. The idea behind the refund put more money in circulation thus some of it comes back in taxes and that should just be part of the budgeted process under the continued theory of "government there to assist" not penalize or hoard.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: YES. The Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction are in place as assistance to the homeowner in a time of recession and real estate de-valuations.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: Continue to evaluate such reforms. We should always be looking for down-sizing government where we can in efforts to save tax dollars, create efficiencies, and allow even the smallest of towns to not be over-burdened by bloated governments.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: All government should be transparent. All officials should be accountable. We must create an efficient system of transparency and accountability and not increase the size of government by creating another audit division or another oversight division that eat up more tax dollars.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: My Facebook page is Austin Griffin For State Senate District 8.

Eric Harris (Uncertain)
4441 Laurel Creek Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: (574) 286-2243
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Maxine Spenner (Uncertain)
2582 W. Joliet Rd.
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 324-8571
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race ): I'm not sure this is the fairest plan, as I have always believed in equality, and I question the fairness of the assessment.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.

State Senate District 13:

C. Susan Glick (Uncertain)

David Yarde (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Senate District 28:

Michael R. (Mike) Crider (Taxpayer Friendly)
716 N 800 E
Greenfield, IN 46140
Phone: (317) 462-1037
E-mail: mcrider700@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes, in every case possible I would like to see taxes spent for the purpose for which they were collected.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: Maintained. There could be a possibility to improve it but that is dependant on the budget situation at the time we next create a budget.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I agree it should be placed on a referendum so that individual communities can decide what works best for their situation. I don't believe there is a one size fits all solution but feel there is much room for more efficiency and potential tax savings in areas (a) (c) and (d). My major concern is with (b) as I don't believe it is wise to completely revamp a fire protection structure that works very well in most cases. For those rare cases in which that is not the case the problems should be addressed until they are no longer an issue.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Funds spent by redevelopment commissions should be approved through an appropriate fiscal body either city or county council and those meetings subject to existing public meeting and records laws. Non-elected boards and commissions should receive this same level of scrutiny. This level of oversight should provide an appropriate level of protection for the taxpayers interests.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I am one of a very few candidates that has actually run a statewide agency for several years. When I retired my budget was cut by 15 percent and we could not cut services. We had to adapt and find efficiencies and we did. That experience convinced me that there has to be room for improvement throughout state government if we will simply stay the course that Governor Daniels started us on. The taxpayers deserve no less.

Chris Lytle (Uncertain)
4074 S. Black Oak Ln.
New Palestine, IN 46163
Phone: (317) 861-5961
E-mail: kristinlytle@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.lytleforindiana.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: A.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: No, I believe there is a greater possiblity of money being spent improperly if it's in the General Fund.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I think if the budget is simplified and properly maintained, it could be eliminated. Giving money to the government to have them possibly return a portion later seems like a logistical nightmare and just one more unnecessary thing to take up more time and resources.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I would have to say no due to the word ANY. Something more beneficial could possibly be introduced..
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I would be in favor of finding ways to eliminate excessive spending and agree the system in unnecessary in Marion County. However, I feel it is effective and necessary in nearly every other county. Therefore I am not in favor of it.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I feel the RDC needs to be held accountable for there actions. I don't believe an unelected group should have that power with no oversight.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I am running not as a politican but as a concerned citizen. It is time we put people into our government without a political agenda or their our personal goals in mind. My concerns are for my family and the people of this state. I'm confident that any of the candidates can do the job, so the question is who will fight the hardest for the needs of the people of Indiana?

John Merlau (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 406
New Palestine, IN 46163
Phone: (317) 861-4795
E-mail: merlau@merlau.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Senate District 32:

John F. Barnes (Taxpayer Friendly)
7902 Willow Wind Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Phone: (317) 375-0120
E-mail: john_barnes57@comcast.net
Website: http://johnbarnes.us/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2010 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House Joint Resolution 1, which gives voters statewide the opportunity to amend the Indiana Constitution to (1) make the 1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (2) protect homestead property tax deductions from legal challenge.
Voted YES on House Bill 1001, which contains 21 Taxpayer Friendly government ethics reform provisions including a 365-day wait after leaving the General Assembly before a legislator can become a lobbyist or legislative liaison, the reporting of certain expenditures by the legislative liaisons of state agencies and state educational institutions, and a reduction from $100 to $50 in the minimum reportable amount for the total daily gifts given by a registered lobbyist to a legislative person.
Voted YES on House Bill 1086, which contains 7 Taxpayer Friendly provisions including the HJR 1 Constitutional Amendment ballot language.
Voted YES on House Bill 1367, which contains 5 Taxpayer Friendly K-12 education provisions that preserve and protect instructional programs.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 23, which delays the scheduled increase in unemployment insurance premiums for one year until 2011.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 396, which mandates an adjusted six-year average that eliminates the highest value to calculate the base rate for the assessment of agricultural land.
2009 General Assembly Voting Record
Voted YES on House Bill 1001 SS, the 2009-2011 special session budget bill that (1) provides enough resources for good government AND (2) satisfactorily protects Hoosier working families from state and local tax increases. A YES vote supports a budget that is sufficiently Taxpayer Friendly. A NO vote would have shut down much of state government.
Voted YES as a member of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform on a bill that combined the following local government reforms passed by the Senate in SB 348, SB 452, SB 506, and SB 512: (1) develop and approve a Library Services Plan by a Public Library Service Planning Committee (with an "opt out" referendum provision) in every county (except Marion County) to help more effectively use working family dollars currently spent on library services (with the option to equitably replace public library property taxes with a county economic development income tax); (2) prohibit employees of a local government unit from serving as elected officials within the same local government unit; (3) move the elections of municipal officers to even-numbered years; (4) move all school board member elections to the November general election in even-numbered years; (5) establish the use of vote centers as an option for all counties; (6) require a city clerk-treasurer in a third class city to attend fiscal officer training provided by the state board of accounts; (7) allow a single County Chief Executive Officer or County Manager; (8) allow the County Council or the Board of County Supervisors to exercise both the fiscal and legislative powers of the county; (9) provide for voter-initiated referendums on county government reorganization; (10) repeal the requirement that political subdivisions must approve local government reorganizations initiated by voters; (11) assign the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations four responsibilities to identify and monitor good local government practices; (12) prohibit County Manager nepotism; (13) repeal unproductive reporting requirements; (14) continue to elect the County Assessor; (15) abolish on January 1, 2013, each township board in every county (other than Marion County) and make the county fiscal body also the fiscal body and legislative body of each township; (16) require a township when formulating an annual budget to consider whether the part of the ending balance in each township fund in excess of 10% of budgeted expenditures should be used instead of imposing additional property taxes for the ensuing year; (17) prohibit a relative of a township officer or employee from being employed by the township in a position that would put the relative in a direct supervisory or subordinate relationship with the officer or employee; (18) require a township trustee's annual report to list separately each expenditure to reimburse the trustee for the trustee's public business use of personal property; (19) require each township office to include the address, phone number, and regular office hours (if any) of the township office in at least one local telephone directory; (20) prohibit a public meeting or a public hearing of a township official or governing body from being held in a private residence; (21) require the State Board of Accounts to submit an annual township examination report to the executive director of the Legislative Services Agency and to county councils.
Voted YES on Senate Bill 374 to allow Regional Transportation Districts, which are new tax-imposing levels of Indiana government controlled by boards with unrestricted powers where most board members have no real connection to the taxpayers' community, to be established WITHOUT a referendum of affected voters.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race): I believe that we must be cautious any time we look to amend Indiana’s Constitution. We have amended the constitution many times, but rarely have we repealed an amendment. I look forward to examining the impact that the property tax caps have, and if elected, evaluating the proposed constitutional amendment that will come before the next General Assembly.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7, 2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm, Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION: Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales, and other taxes? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm). QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total revenues for the next biennium? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead Deduction for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the average homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be continued beyond 2007? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTIONS: Should the state pay for full-day kindergarten? If YES, where should the state get the funds needed for full-day kindergarten? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road ("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges. QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next ten years? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain I-69 extension without state tax increases? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION: Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69 extension? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Patricia (Patti) G. Mink (Uncertain)
447 Garden Grace Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46239
Phone: (317) 345-4868
E-mail: pattimink@sbcglobal.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

State Senate District 35:

Daniel L. Kinnamon (Taxpayer Friendly)
5841 Kiah Court
Plainfield, IN 46168
Phone: (317) 430-3646
E-mail: Daniel@VoteKinnamon.com
Website: http://votekinnamon.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: a) Yes! b) Yes! c) Would like slightly higher reserve balance as long as taxes were not raised to do so. Would prefer reserve comes from cutting or holding back spending.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes, to the extent possible taxes should match the expense for which they are collected. If not a General Obligation tax should not be allowed to be spent as a General Obligation. The more transparent our taxes are to their use the better the taxpayer understands what they are paying for.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I STRONGLY agree with ATR. If the budget is met surplus should be returned to the rightful owner the taxpayer. Was OK with increasing rainy day fund but, would have preferred it had happened BEFORE they
knew funds were there. Would have been upset with new spending.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: YES, would like to potentially strengthen for those who have lived in their homes for 10 plus years and are Seniors.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I believe Township reform should take place at the local government level. Have been very pleased with what has happened in Zionsville/Eagle Township...as a current local official I don't want it decreed from state but would like to see every township undertake the study to see if it makes sense for them. Communication is a key part of the issue. Taxpayers should not be double taxed for same services.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I agree with much improved oversight over redevelopment commissions.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I believe my combination of business skills living within a budget, combined with local government understanding (Guilford Township Board) make me an excellent candidate for the Indiana General Assembly. A fundamental belief of mine is that we have a spending problem NOT a revenue problem...you cannot tax your way out of a spending problem.

R. Michael Young (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Senate District 37:

Rodric D. Bray (Taxpayer Friendly)
489 N. Jefferson Street
Martinsville, IN 46151
Phone: Home (765-342-2285); Cell (317-372-7186); Office (317-342-6814)
E-mail: rdbray1969@att.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Yes. While Indiana requires a balanced budget, games can still be played with the numbers. Indiana needs an honestly balanced budget.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. I like the idea that the gas tax goes specifically to the roads. However, some thought must go into whether funds from another source will be needed to replace those funds used outside the state transportation category.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: I think in the first year, the general assembly should have done exactly what it originally promised. To do otherwise would be to make Indiana citizens doubt the sincerity of the General Assembly. I do like the idea of the refund to voters, but Indiana should certainly concentrate on taking care of some of its unfunded pensions first and foremost.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes. I see no reason to change them at this time.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: I am in favor of most of the township reform legislation that has been proposed in the General Assembly during the 2012 session. I think Indiana would benefit by reducing or eliminating that level of government to consolidate those services. I feel that money could be saved without too much loss of service.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: I see the benefit of redevelopment commissions, but agree that oversight of them needs to be improved.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Ryan Goodwin (Taxpayer Friendly)
104 Karrington Boulevard
Mooresville, IN 46158
Phone: (317) 509-2868
E-mail: Ryan@Ryangoodwin.org
Website: http://www.ryangoodwin.org/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 8, 2012, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Should the 2013-2015 state budget be balanced where (a) current year appropriations do not exceed current year revenues, (b) there are no delayed payments and one-time fund transfers, and (c) a reserves balance of at least 5% is maintained? ANSWER: Absolutely. This three-pronged test would provide a reasonable budget without gimmickry while maintaining sufficient reserves. This is a responsible approach to budgeting.
2. QUESTION: Should the non-transportation appropriations from the state’s Motor Vehicle Highway Account be transferred to the state’s General Fund so more of our Indiana Gasoline Tax can be properly spent to meet our transportation needs? ANSWER: Yes. Though this would place a greater burden on the general fund, it would allow for more local funding of critical infrastructure projects without raising taxes. The gasoline tax should go directly to maintaining and improving roads.
3. QUESTION: Should the automatic taxpayer refund be improved, maintained, or eliminated? ANSWER: When state governments reach certain levels of fiscal health, taxpayers should receive a refund. It is also prudent, however, to maintain a comfortable fiscal margin in these uncertain economic times. Additionally, Indiana has unfunded pension liabilities and other obligations that should be taken care of in times of surplus. I would support efforts to maintain the Automatic Taxpayer Refund; I would not work to eliminate it.
4. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes. These are reasonable deductions that Hoosier families rely on. I would not support any changes.
5. QUESTION: What is your position regarding township government reform? ANSWER: There are many township trustees and other township officials doing great work in Indiana. My district is home to several of them. This being said, however, township government is certainly antiquated and in need of reform. I support the effort to place the question of township government on the ballot in every county. This way, an individual county can decide the best direction for their county and react accordingly. There is no question in my mind that services can be improved, oversight strengthened and unnecessary expenses eliminated with reasonable and proper reform.
6. QUESTION: What is your position regarding redevelopment commissions oversight? ANSWER: Redevelopment commissions play an interesting and important role in local community development. We must have enhanced oversight, however, as current law allows for the substantial accumulation of taxpayer money in redevelopment commission accounts. Redevelopment commissions are comprised of appointed officials, and not elected officials, and work with little oversight. While I would not want to weaken the ability of redevelopment commissions to make their community more prosperous, I do support greater oversight of their activities. This is prudent and responsible on behalf of Hoosier taxpayers.
7. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: You can also connect with me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ElectRyanGoodwin.

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