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: Hate crimes differ in that in addition to the victim, an entire community may be left feeling vulnerable. It is time we pass this legislation. Comprehensive hate crimes legislation will help reinforce relationships with foreign companies, attract businesses from outside the state and make Indiana welcoming to all.
Q: In the aftermath of school shootings, what steps can Indiana take to create a safer environment for its students?
A: No child should fear attending school. State legislators, school district leaders and community members must work together to find solutions. Strengthening current security measures already in place and encouraging students to report threats they may hear about is a good start. Input from teachers will be crucial as well.
Q: Should handgun license fees in Indiana be maintained or eliminated? Why?
A: Licensing fees provide state and local law enforcement funding for training and the ability to monitor those who should not possess a lifetime permit. Prominent law enforcement officers have requested state legislators keep these licensing fees in place as loss of the fees could endanger officers and citizens alike.
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: ASAP is making great strides in our communities to help at-risk families; we need to support their efforts. Many Department of Child Services cases involve substance abuse at home; studies are showing some of the problems in the agency and now the state needs to begin to repair it.
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Name: Mary Kohen
Political party: Democratic
Age: 57
City of residence: Columbus
Occupation: Community volunteer, activist, former stay-at-home parent
Education: Mesa High School, attended Mesa Community College
Previous offices held: None
Previous offices sought: None
Community involvement: Book Buddies tutor, Big Brothers/Big Sister mentor, Human Rights Commission Benjamin J. King Essay Contest judge, WFIU fund drive volunteer, Mill Race Marathon volunteer, Public Safety Citizen’s Academy graduate, former Southside Elementary parent volunteer, Columbus Service League former member, adult literacy tutor, Bartholomew County Indivisible, Women4Change Indiana, Bartholomew County Democrat Women, Democratic Party precinct committeewoman.
Immediate family: Husband, Ian; two sons.
