State Representative District 59 GOP Republican candidate
Name: Lew Wilson
Political party: Republican
Age: 72
City of residence: Columbus
Occupation: County assessor
Education: Columbus High, 1964; Milligan College, one year; General Motors Management School, Continuing Management Education; Indiana Licensed Trainee Appraiser, 2000; Indiana Licensed Residential Appraiser, 2002 and 2004; Level I and Level II Certified Indiana Assessor-Appraiser, 2005; Level III Certified Indiana Assessor-Appraiser, 2014
Previous offices held: Bartholomew County assessor: January 2011 to current
Previous offices sought: County assessor, 2006, 2010 and 2014; County Council, 2008; State Representative, 2016
Community involvement: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mill Race Center, Bartholomew County Right to Life board, Clarity Care Center volunteer
Immediate family: Wife, Bettie; three daughters and one son
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Q: As one of five states without a hate-crime law, should Indiana pass a law that would allow judges to deliver stiffer penalties for crimes of bias?
A: Indiana does have a hate crime law enacted July 1, 2000 (IC 10-13-3-1), but it does not adequately protect people of faith. Under IC 35-38-1-7.1, judges are allowed to stiffen penalties if aggravating circumstances were present when the crime was committed. However, both laws are poorly written and incomplete.
Q: In the aftermath of school shootings, what steps can Indiana take to create a safer environment for its students?
A: Indiana’s “Red Flag” law has a loophole that needs to be eliminated. It does not prevent persons whose guns are confiscated by law enforcement from buying more guns while their firearms are impounded. Those with a history of mental illness or violence should not have access to guns.
Q: Should handgun license fees in Indiana be maintained or eliminated? Why?
A: License fees should be maintained. If eliminated, the Indiana State Police reports an anticipated loss of $5.2 million this year and $5.3 million in 2019 in funds used to support training and supplies such as ammunition. Also, the current license-application process comes with a criminal background check.
Q: Growing numbers of children are at risk due to impacts of escalating opioid abuse. What are some first steps the state should take?
A: The current review of the Department of Child Services (DCS) needs to continue until positive changes are implemented. Any child affected by the opioid/drug issue should automatically qualify for pre-kindergarten. The state needs to provide the financial support for pre-kindergarten and DCS staffing to aid these children.
