Four candidates seeking two positions in the Indiana legislature during the Nov. 6 general election will appear Thursday during a candidate forum in Columbus.
The two people vying to succeed State Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, in representing House District 59 have said they will attend the 6:30 p.m. forum at the Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave., Republican Ryan Lauer and Democrat Dale Nowlin will be answering questions and expressing their views.
In addition, State Senator Greg Walker, R-Columbus, and his Senate District 41 Democratic challenger, Ross Thomas, have also confirmed they will participate in Thursday’s event.
Key sponsors of the forum include Bartholomew County Indivisible, Black Lives Matter, Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association, Moms Demand Action, the NAACP and the Sierra Club.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
IUPUC is also a sponsoring organization. These types of public programs have been promoted or organized in recent years through the Gregg and Judy Summerville IUPUC Program Support Fund.
Since it’s been seven months since state lawmakers adjourned, it’s difficult for busy Hoosiers to remember specific issues that were discussed, Judy Summerville said.
"So much at the General Assembly happens at the very end, so it’s tough to be aware of what did – or did not – make it into law," Summervile said. "But a lot that did make it into law is having an impact on our everyday lives."
Most Hoosiers may remember that Sunday liquor sales became legal last winter, or that lawmakers approved a last-minute increase in public school funding.
But some are also likely to remember legislative leaders who were criticized for blowing past a March deadline and adjourning without taking up a number of key bills.
Leaders in both chambers pointed blame at each other for allowing a handful of tax, gun, technology and school bills to die.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb ordered a special session in May to handle five issues, including school safety grants.
Walker blamed the chaotic ending on lawmakers displaying high emotions and a lack of patience, as well as a few House and Senate leaders displaying unprofessional behavior.
Residents associated with Bartholomew County Indivisible last winter advocated an independent commission that would make recommendations on redrawing legislative districts after the 2020 census.
Since the retiring Smith headed up a committee that refused to bring the subject of an independent commission up for a vote, it’s likely the topic will be discussed extensively at Thursday forum, as well as during the coming months.
If voters have concerns about state government, Thursday’s forum will be an ideal place to express them, Summerville said.
"When candidates are willing to appear together and answer our questions, it improves our chances of electing lawmakers willing to represent our interests," sshe said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”If you go” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: Public forum for Statehouse candidates.
Who: Candidates for 59th District State Representative (Ryan Lauer, Republican, and Dale Nowlin, Democrat) and candidates for 41st Senate District (Greg Walker, incumbent Republican, and Ross Thomas, Democrat).
When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave.
Sponsors: Bartholomew County Indivisible, IUPUC, Black Lives Matter, Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association, Moms Demand Action, the NAACP and the Sierra Club.
[sc:pullout-text-end]
