State Representative District 59 GOP Republican candidate
Name: Allen K. Smith
Political party: Republican
Age: 53
City of residence: Columbus
Occupation: Professional firefighter/EMT for city of Columbus, clerk for Columbus Township Trustee’s Office, business owner.
Education: Columbus East High School, 1983; attended Hanover College
Previous offices held: Bartholomew County coroner, 2009-2013
Previous offices sought: U.S. Congress, Indiana 6th District
Community involvement: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church member, former elder; The Laws Foundation, past president, Leadership Bartholomew, youth mentor; Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund, board member, past co-chair; community CPR instructor
Immediate family: Wife, Frankie; one daughter
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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: The maximum penalties should be considered in any crime. Putting bias into a crime does not change that a crime has occurred. Violent crimes are hate crimes no matter what group you fall into. A crime against one is a crime against all. Steps should be taken to eliminate hate.
Q: In the aftermath of school shootings, what steps can Indiana take to create a safer environment for its students?
A: The state could create some general guidelines that local school districts could choose to adopt and adapt to their specific needs. Each school district is different and requires a close look at what would work for them.
Q: Should handgun license fees in Indiana be maintained or eliminated? Why?
A: Handgun license fees should be maintained in Indiana. A portion of the license fees stay at the local level. These fees help for training of our local law enforcement agencies as well as offset cost of ammunition and equipment.
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: Education is always a good step toward understanding and working though social issues. Have a combined front from different state, local and private sector entities. Solutions can and are being formulated such as with ASAP Bartholomew County.