From: Merry Carmichael
Columbus
Voting in local and state elections needs to be more about issues than Democrat versus Republican, and liberal versus conservative. What are the issues that will affect us most in the District 59 election for the Indiana House of Representatives between Dale Nowlin, Ryan Lauer and Clyde Myers? Before voting straight party, read about the issues.
If you are for limited government, so are all three of these candidates.
If you are against the current proposal for further raising the cigarette taxes, so are all three of these candidates.
What about education?
Nowlin has excelled in being a math educator as well as having been the president of the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics. He will continue to work to improve public education in Indiana. If you prefer that your taxes be used to support a charter school organization, although District 59 has no charter schools, then your vote is for Lauer.
Let’s look at budget issues.
Nowlin believes in fiscal responsibility at the state and local level. He will work with the city and county to attract businesses and workforce. Lauer, as a county council member, refused to work with the city on establishing a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district in the county. He burned through county reserves and let the county annex fall into disrepair. He let the county jail fail to the point where just half of it could be utilized, eliminating rehabilitation programs for those that will re-enter the community. I understand that this has recently improved.
What about special interest groups?
Dale is not committed to any special interest groups. Ryan is committed to at least two special interest groups.
What about energy, time to do the job and interest in listening?
Dale (along with his full-time job and many volunteer commitments) has knocked on over 5,000 doors where he has listened to those at each door. Dale has shown us that he will devote the time and energy necessary. Dale has arranged to have the time necessary to fulfill the job of state representative. Ryan is driven more by ideology than listening to and representing his constituents
I encourage the reader to look at the issues and carefully consider who you would rather have represent you at the state level. Sometimes voting straight party is not the best option.
