Campaign Spotlight: Naomi Bechtold: The Right Leadership for Indiana House District 24

Naomi Bechtold:

T h e R i g h t L e a d e r s h i p f o r I n d i a n a H o u s e District 24

Photography // Submitted

This November, our nation will be tasked with participating in one of the most important elections in our country’s history. Now is the time for action—to vote—and to consider Naomi Bechtold for Indiana House District 24.

Naomi Bechtold brings a fresh perspective, practical voice and extensive experience in academia and public policy. Bechtold shared that she is running because she cares about improving the state of Indiana and the lives of Hoosiers.

The key issues that Naomi Bechtold is advocating for are • C ompetitive pay for public school teachers and safety for our children. • Be tter, more affordable health care options. • F air and secure elections. • The highest standards for our clean air and water. • Equal justice reform. • E conomic recovery during and post COVID-19. • Healthy Hoosier families.

ESTABLISHING STRONG ROOTS IN THE HOOSIER STATE AS A COMMUNI- TY LEADER

Raised in Maryland and a graduate of Duke University, Bechtold majored in public policy. After marrying her husband Marty of 31 years, Bechtold earned her MBA from Lehigh University. Subsequent job moves eventually led Bechtold, her husband and two children to Carmel in 2008.

Since planting roots in her Hoosier community, Bechtold has enjoyed being a community leader and is a dedicated professional educator with Purdue Extension and has served on multiple nonprofit boards.

“In all of these roles, I have consistently proven myself to be an independent thinker, thoughtful listener and a valuable member of the community,” Bechtold expressed. “For over a decade, I’ve listened to the needs of local communities, mediated between sharply divided opinions and worked to find a collaborative path for progress.”

BRINGING EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ACADEMIA TO THE FLOOR

Since establishing herself in Carmel, Bechtold has been employed at Purdue University.

“I’m known as what is called an ‘extension specialist,’” Bechtold explained. “I was a 4-H extension educator for six years, and I moved into health and human sciences in a similar role. My specialty is in the area of personal financial management education. I work with extension educators around the state and provide resources and work on [related] curriculum to help improve the lives of local community members.”

Bechtold is also an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®).

DEDICATED TO SERVING HER CON- STITUENTS AND FELLOW HOOSIERS

As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the national and local economies, Bechtold shared how she plans on bringing relief to the constituents of District 24.

Bechtold stated, “There are several things that elected officials can do when it comes to aiding small businesses. We’re going to have to dive into the state’s reserves and use the funds to create bridge loans and grants to help the small businesses until we can start getting the economy back on track. These reserves are there for a rainy day, and right now, it’s a deluge.”

WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE AND BUILDING COALITIONS

Bechtold plans on continuing her proven strategies that include building purposeful and effective coalitions and partnerships with stakeholders.

“I work through partnerships and coalitions because I am not an expert in all areas, but I know people who are,” Bechtold stated. “I understand the idea of building partnerships and working across the aisle—it has to happen.”

ELECTION REFORM IS A PRIORITY GOING FORWARD

No matter how you plan on voting in this year’s general election, Bechtold’s message is simply to “Vote!”

“It is important that everyone understands that every vote absolutely matters,” Bechtold exclaimed. “I’m telling people to apply for your absentee ballot now and then drive it over and walk it into the Hamilton County or Boone County election offices.”

Bechtold continued, “I would push to make sure that all voting booths throughout Indiana have the paper backup system. And I would push for no-excuse absentee ballots for the future.”

For more information about Naomi Bechtold for Indiana House District 24 and more about all the issues that she is advocating for, visit bechtoldforindiana.com.