General Election 2012

BROWN COUNTY

GENERAL Election 2012

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Brown County Democrat

education experience expectations

Vote Nov. 6th Re-Elect Teresa Waltman for School Board

Paid for byTeresa Waltman for School Board,Teresa Waltman,Treasurer.

November 6th Republican Candidates President Mitt romney U.s. senate richard Mourdock Governor/Lt Governor - Mike Pence/ sue ellspermann attorney GeneraL - Greg Zoeller sUPerintendent of PUbLic instrUction - dr. tony bennett 9th district conGressMan - todd young senate district 44 - brent steele state rePresentative hoUse district 65 - eric Koch coMMissioner district 1 – dave anderson coMMissioner district 3 – Joe Wray coUnty coUnciL at-LarGe – diana Mcdonald biddle, david critser, Jerry Pittman recorder – Larry Gardner sUrveyor – Kevin allen treasUrer – Mary smith

www.browngop.com Follow us on Facebook - Brown County Indiana Republicans Paid for by the Brown County Republican Central Committee, Robyn Rosenberg, Treasurer

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Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

The Brown County League of Women Voters chose the questions to ask the candidates in each race and sent questionnaires to each candidate. The answers appear in the candidate’s own words. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization.

county commissioner 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. It looks like the sock factory will be a major liability for the county. What solution would you suggest for the future of the property?

3. The two major projects facing the county are renovation/addition to the courthouse and repair and maintenance of county roads. Both are estimated to cost between $3 million and $4 million each. What are your priorities for these projects?

4. The sock factory and other fires showed that Brown County has a problem with water delivery and pressure. What do you see as a solution to this problem?

Dist. 1 Dan L. Huesman (D) 1. Twenty-plus years as a law enforcement officer in Brown County, four of which were served as the county sheriff. My leadership and management skills were honed over this 20-plus years of my career with the assumption of increasing positions of responsibility, including working with both county council and commissioners. Having lived in Brown County for over 30 years, I feel I have kept abreast of issues important to our citizens and have always been attentive to their needs.

2. First, I believe the present commissioners erred in taking ownership of this complex for a variety of reasons, most importantly of which is the $20K-plus that has been removed from the county’s tax rolls. Having said that, ownership of this com-

plex will necessitate the county spending money on this facility to maintain and remodel it as necessary, provided a tenant can be found to occupy it. If all efforts to sell this property are exhausted and it cannot be sold, any use would have to be targeted for community-wide entities. The county will still be burdened with unprogrammed maintenance costs.

3. Priority should be to county roads for a number of reasons. County roads are an integral part of our infrastructure and failure to maintain these roads exacerbates the issue. Maintenance of our county roads is also a public safety issue, i.e. school buses, emergency vehicles, etc. To allow our road network to continue to deteriorate creates potential danger to our residents during their daily travels. A properly maintained road network is a major tenant of our infrastructure for any potential economic development. Continued neglect and failure to maintain the existing road inventory will be more costly in the future to repair. All of our county residents utilize our roads but not all use the courthouse. That’s not to say renovation of the courthouse is not important; it is. Renovations need to be prioritized and accomplished as funding becomes available. Renovations could possibly be scaled back and completed in phases over a five-year period. A structure could be built at the site of the former jail and architecturally designed as an addition to the courthouse to house the prosecutor’s office and existing courthouse occupants.

4. The sock factory fire served as a wake-up call that our water system in Brown County is a domestic water system and not a fire-rated system.

I disagree that the county has a water delivery and pressure problem. The Brown County Water Utility has grown immensely over the past 15-20 years.

They are able to provide domestic water service to

ERIC A. KOCH

State Representative District 65

It is an honor and privilege to represent and serve Brown County in the Indiana House of Representatives. I am committed to strengthening education, rebuilding Indiana’s economic base, cutting government waste, and reducing taxes.

I enjoy helping constituents solve problems and cut through government red tape.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Eric Koch

Paid for and authorized by the Eric Koch for State Representative Committee

any point within this county, while also providing water service to adjoining counties. Recent capital improvements at the water utility have extended their capabilities. The water utility is required by regulatory authorities to provide a minimum water pressure and for the most part, they are compliant.

Any pressure problems within the system are isolated. The fact remains, water service to the county and the Town of Nashville is designed for domestic water service only, with very limited firefighting capability. Overall, our county’s volunteer fire departments are in the best condition they’ve ever been, and they do a superior job given the limitations of operating strictly as volunteers and without immediate access to a water supply source designed for firefighting. Creation of a water system for domestic, industrial and firefighting use is, in all probability, cost-prohibitive (billions of dollars).

Dave Anderson (R)

1. Honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps in September 1966 after four years active duty in southeast Asia. Appointed as a trooper on the Indiana State Police May 16, 1967.

Retired as a detective from the state police on Dec. 31, 1990.

Became the sheriff of Brown County on Jan. 1, 1991.

ANDERSON Retired from the sheriff’s department on Jan. 31, 1998.

During 1998 I was honored to serve out the remainder of Jim Crane’s term as chairman of the Brown County Republican Party. Opened Anderson Insurance Agency on July 7, 1999. Turned over management of the insurance business to my son in August 2007. Opened Anderson Investigations LLC in August 2007, which I currently own and operate.

With regard to qualifications for the office of commissioner, I am very comfortable with my background in the law enforcement world as well as the business world. I have a good understanding of the process and eight years of experience in dealing with functions, and people, at the county level. The county commissioner has a crucial management role in local government; I feel that I can contribute experienced and impartial judgment on the issues that affect our citizens.

2. A situation that at one time had at least some degree of promise, has fallen far short of that expectation. After the cost analysis by the Brown County Economic Development Commission, it just seems that the best or only option for the county is to sell it for a price that has to be far less than its ultimate value. The lack of water supply and pressure for fire protection is not something that can be corrected soon. My recommendation at this time would be to sell it, perhaps at auction with a reserve bid.

3. Of the two items mentioned here, I believe the repair and maintenance of the county roadways should be most immediate. It would seem to me that the county would have to borrow this amount of money on a short-term, low interest loan. This could hopefully be paid off in two or three years if we were to come up with a tax increase somewhere in the county budgeting. A lot could be done with that amount of money in repaving our county roads.

Addressing this project first would provide an immediate benefit to all Brown Countians, and current interest rates would allow for maintenance of our roads at less cost than we would pay later on.

With regard to the renovation and addition to the courthouse, I believe that it is something that should be done and is long overdue. Having removed the old jail near the courthouse, the space is certainly available for the addition. However, in paying for this, I would recommend that we wait until the loan for the county roads is paid off before starting. So this entire project on the courthouse could or should wait for the two or three years that it would take to get the first loan paid and then use the

same tax to get the loan for the courthouse.

4. First it must be understood that the Brown County Water utility is a private, “not for profit” entity that has absolutely nothing to do with county government. The county commissioners have no control over this utility.

That being said, I believe that as a commissioner I would happily assist them in doing whatever is possible to provide more water with greater pressure to our county. Keeping this in mind, our water utility has done a great service to our community over the past many years in providing water to us. The purpose of the utility has always been to provide a potable water supply to the residents of our rural county. It was never designed to provide enough water pressure for fire protection or large commercial enterprises. As there are no viable water sources in our county, the utility draws its water from wells up in Morgan County, and also purchases water from several neighboring water companies and distributes water to Brown County, Nashville and parts of Johnson and Morgan counties. It will require 6- or 8-inch lines to support enough water pressure to operate sprinkler systems, as I understand it. To replace existing lines could cost as much as $20 million or possibly more.

We must keep in mind that this a not-for-profit water utility and they only make money through rate increases to the member/users of that system. Again, I would be happy to work with them to upgrade their water lines. I caution, though, that it would be very expensive for them to do this and expensive for us as rate payers to make the lines fire protection-ready.

Dist. 3 Evelyn Kritzer Kent (D) 1. I am retired. I have followed the county commissioner meetings for years and have attempted to obtain a general knowledge of what is going on in the county. I drove a school bus for 30-plus years, was a substitute mail carrier for two years and a TRIAD volunteer for a couple of years.

I spent over five years on the KENT Area Plan Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals.

I feel I have a general knowledge of the county and am willing to work with the most important asset of our county, the citizens of Brown County!

2. At the time of this writing I do not have a “down pat” answer. If you remember, back in the spring I had concerns about this becoming county property because it would be taken off the tax rolls and become a cost to our Brown County taxpayers instead of income through property taxes. Well, it looks as if my concerns have come to pass!

3. My first priority would be roads. If at all possible, we need to have our roads in good shape for people to travel back and forth to work. I feel our county road superintendent has worked very diligently at prioritizing the roads that are most urgent to be worked on.

The county commissioners asked the county council to raise the “cum cap” tax from .0117 to .0333. This still has to be approved by the DLGF. The purpose of this is to set aside the extra money that would be collected from the tax to remodel and add onto the courthouse. When there is enough accumulated, the courthouse project would begin without the county going into debt. They definitely need more space in the courthouse.

4. I think we need to look at the “big picture.”

First of all, I can remember when Brown Countians in the rural areas did not have county water. A lot of people have worked very hard over the years getting water to our county. As far as water delivery, only so much can be done. I think our volunteer fire departments do an excellent job. You need to keep

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Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

in mind, how long had the fire been burning before it was discovered? What type of materials are in the burning building? Did the firefighters keep the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings or woods, etc.? We should consider those important factors.

Years ago I am aware of a body shop that burnt to the ground. When the fire broke out, the people inside immediately called the paid fire department, which was seven blocks from the garage. Also, there was a city water hydrant sitting right outside the garage for the firemen to hook onto. But the garage burnt to the ground anyway.

Don Barriger Jr. (L)

1. Twenty years of my adult life was spent as an enlisted member of the U.S. Army. During that time, I received training and gained experience in many areas, including the following: agricultural adviser (livestock and crops); professional soldier: avionics and navigation equipment repairman, aircraft BARRIGER maintenance specialist, administration specialist, senior legal clerk/court reporter, criminal intelligence/investigation NCO, senior personnel sergeant, first sergeant, operations and intelligence NCO, agricultural adviser for the United Nations Command — Korea and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) — Korea, military court clerk for the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana.

Since I retired from the Army in 1988, I have been involved in many occupations, due to various reasons and circumstances. These have included: licensed gunsmith, licensed county contractor/ carpenter, licensed domestic electrician, licensed nuisance wildlife control operator, vegetable farmer/ tobacco sharecropper, sign painter, wood cutter, antique vendor, part-time plastic canvas artist and caregiver for my second wife during her long terminal illness in the 1990s.

I believe that my experience that is most relevant to this office is 20 years of work in administration, personnel and legal fields while in the U.S. Army. This work included preparation and filing of correspondence; handling varied personnel matters; preparing courts-martial cases and investigative reports (including capital crimes); preparing and reviewing trial records for the United States Court of Military Appeals; compiling and evaluating criminal intelligence data; developing criminal profiles and maintaining databases; establishing annual budget forecasts and manpower requirements; accountability for over $6 million of funds and equipment; managing the daily operation of units consisting of 55 to over 4,600 men and women; and preparing promotion and award recommendations. It also meant that I had to be able to deal effectively with people under all kinds of circumstances, and over a wide range of issues. I “grew up” in the Army during a time when issues such as race relations and the rights of men and women of all backgrounds, both in this country and the world, were undergoing radical change. I also lived in Germany and South Korea for many years while on active duty. After retiring from the Army, I returned to Indiana to be close to my family and resumed the role of the “common man,” struggling like a true native Hoosier to put bread on my family’s table and do whatever I could to provide for them as best I could. I consider that my varied occupational history, and my involvement in different social changes and cultures over the years, has given me a better understanding of and ability to handle many of the issues that we, as a community, may have to address in the future.

2. I understand that this question may have been formulated before the board of commissioners unanimously decided — at their Aug. 15 meeting — to sell this property. So I will comment on that

decision, insofar as one has already been made by the appropriate county body. I agree — reluctantly — with their decision, but I was brought up to respect and treasure gifts that I was given, so I feel that this outcome is rather like a slap in the face to the donor and those who may have been expecting a great new community leisure or business center, or the like. It would have been wonderful if this property could have been put to use to benefit our local community, rather than having to sell it. (If it isn’t too late, I wonder if it might not be possible to “gift” it to a local not-for-profit organization, if one were interested in redeveloping and using it. Just a thought!)

But I do share the view of many people in the county, that the property should never have been considered for acceptance, if all of the things allegedly wrong with it (which were known prior to its acceptance) actually exist — and I have no reason to believe that they do not. I also learned, a short while before that August meeting, that no title searches had been done prior to its acceptance, to verify the precise dimensions, amount and location of the land that was being donated (actually, there are several titles involved). So, at that meeting, I asked the commissioners if any title searches had been done. The president of the board said “no,” but that this “would be done” before the property was sold, as well as a survey of the property.

This was almost eight months after the county had accepted — apparently without undertaking any “due diligence” — what is now an ongoing financial liability, and had already spent thousands of dollars on the property. I have not yet seen any financial statements to show what money has been spent where — and we have no idea when the expenditure will cease. According to advice I received recently from the county administrator, the Brown County Abstract Company has been hired to do the title search(es). I do not recall this decision being made at a public meeting of the board, nor of any monetary allocation being approved for it. I have no objections to the Brown County Abstract Company doing this task, but I do believe that these kinds of matters should be discussed and decided at open meetings of the board, where interested taxpayers may have a chance to ask questions and be given answers.

3. When the Brown County Democrat published a large, front-page article on Aug. 29, 2012, many readers were surprised to see that the courthouse renovation had become an urgent priority.

Although there had been some preliminary discussions about it at recent commissioners’ meetings, and a local architect had been asked to prepare a feasibility study and initial design concept, I understand that the board of commissioners had not yet made any resolutions about accepting this study and/ or the preliminary design, nor had they discussed, or agreed on, any cost estimates. (I presume that the estimates mentioned by the president of the board will be subject, in due course, to a thorough review by the full board of commissioners.)

I would advocate that any available funds at the present time should be directed to repairing more of our county roads (many are in extremely poor condition), as I believe that the safety and welfare of our residents is paramount. We desperately need to ensure that we have a safe and efficient system of roads for our residents, visitors, emergency services, law enforcement, school buses, tourist RVs and horse trailers, among others. The impact of logging trucks on the integrity of our roads and bridges is also an urgent issue, recently highlighted

by Smokey Presseau, which, I believe, needs further consideration.

I am very conscious that the current conditions in the courthouse are extremely cramped and facilities outdated. I share the concerns to ensure a secure and comfortable working environment for the judges and court staff, as well as protect the historical legacy of our courthouse records by providing them a safe “home” as soon as possible. I was a

senior legal clerk and court reporter for several years while in the Army, and fully understand their present difficulty, but I consider that we need to be reasonably assured of an appropriate funding source or sources before we move forward in haste on what will be a major building project in the heart of town.

Thus, I believe that possible funding sources for the renovation of the courthouse should be explored by the county administrator, as a high priority.

This would be in line with one of his key contract duties. The question of whether the renovation project could possibly be undertaken in two or three “stages” is something which I think should also be looked into.

4. I do not think there is going to be any quick or easy — or cheap — “fix” to this problem. First, if I were commissioner, I would request the providers of our water to meet with the board of commissioners and explain how they determine that a problem with water delivery and pressure exists, and provide us with information and statistics showing which areas of the county are inadequately serviced and why. If there is insufficient data, I would recommend that countywide flow and pressure tests be done by qualified engineers working with the water providers, so that we may all learn the reasons for any lack of pressure and delivery, and then discuss what may need to be done. After the sock factory fire, the acting general manager of Brown County Water Utility Inc. was quoted in the Brown County Democrat as saying that Brown County has had a water pressure problem for years. It is sad that it takes a fire which drives one of our major businesses out of the county before such a major problem is highlighted. There is a very useful resource, published by USFA/FEMA, which I would suggest be used as the basis for our initial investigations in this regard. I believe that we do need to act quickly on this problem, especially considering the recent drought conditions. (A major fire in the county could have had devastating consequences!)

I would suggest that a countywide emergency water management plan be developed as part of our emergency services/disaster response plan, and that funding opportunities and sources for any necessary upgrades be explored ASAP. The new EMA director and first responders also should be consulted and would play a critical role in this task, by providing helpful advice and suggestions based on their experiences at the front line.

Joe Wray (R)

1. I am the current treasurer of Brown County and have served in this capacity since January 2005. I am also the president of the Indiana County Treasurers Association for 2012. Prior to this I served as the executive director of sales for Familie Health WRAY Enterprises for 10 years. From 1990-1994, I was appointed the executive director of Brown County Community Corrections. My past experience in the private and public sectors has served me immensely in problem solving as well as being able to be a servant leader.

In order for any organization to be successful, it must identify problems, strategize and execute a plan of action to overcome those obstacles. That’s what I’ve learned in these past 20-plus years, and it has served me well.

2. I applaud the current commissioners for their efforts with this project and how it was “gifted” to the county. But in these economic times, it appears that it’s not feasible to make this property workable for the county. In my opinion, the most logical action at this time would be to put some resources into selling this property. And you just can’t put a “for sale” sign in the front yard and expect it to sell.

(Continued on page 6)

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Vote November 6 Your Vote is Your Voice

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812-988-7378 bluejayhill@att.net Democracy is not a spectator sport!

Page 6

Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

(Continued from page 5) A marketing plan will need to be devised and executed.

3. I believe at this current time our roads would have to take a little higher priority. The problem is the funding mechanism that is in place that we have to deal with. There are some in our county that believe property taxes help pay for the maintenance of our roads, and that is incorrect. Funding for the repair and maintenance of county roads comes from excise tax and fuel tax. And those funds are decreasing each year. This year the state allowed counties to use monies from the county’s general fund for roads. But that’s just robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking money from one fund line to another. Six years ago, Brown County applied for and received a public works fund loan for the repair of our bridges.

I would suggest that we apply for that again for our roads. Interest rates are historically low, and now is the time to act on it. This can be done with the cost of the courthouse, too, but my opinion is the roads take top priority. Since the county is refinancing/restructuring the bond on the Brown County Law Enforcement Center, that will free up about $400,000 that we will be able to use.

4. As I wrote in the spring, the infrastructure overall in the county has got to improve! How can we anticipate, let alone expect, any new business to start up or relocate here, without one of the most basic services? Water! Grants, federal loans, public works loans, bonds — we have to research and apply to any and all venues that we can to get funds for this problem.

county coUNCIL AT LARGE (Three will be elected) 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. The future of the sock factory is a major issue in the county. How long can the county maintain the liability of owning this property?

3. How do you suggest funding the courthouse renovation/addition and keeping up with the repair and maintenance of the county roads?

4. TIF (tax increment funding) could aid in projects such as the Opry and Schooner Valley Village. How would such a funding mechanism benefit/not benefit these and other projects?

David Rudd (D)

1. I have been on the Brown County Council for 15 years. I am a local business owner. I have been a resident of Brown County for 57 years.

2. The county can continue with the maintenance of the sock factory for an additional one to two years. I feel like the county has exhausted RUDD the possible uses of the sock factory and I am of the opinion that we should sell it.

3. Funding for the courthouse is separate from funding for the county roads. These funds can not be commingled.

In my opinion, the need for the expansion of the courthouse is still undecided; however, it does need to be updated to become ADA-compliant.

Funding for the roads can come from highway monies, but for a quicker fix, the money can be borrowed with a short payback period on the loans.

4. The use of TIF could benefit these projects because it would create a better possibility of someone coming into Brown County to develop a business, which would result in more revenue for all businesses in Brown County.

Cindy Steele (D) 1. I served as a county council member for a fouryear term with one year as president.

I publish Our Brown County and INto Art magazines from my home in Helmsburg. I quit a regular corporate job to start telling stories about what makes Brown County so special. I STEELE have good communication skills, I pay attention to details and I meet deadline/financial pressures.

I have a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. For 15 years prior to starting my own business I installed, designed and supported accounting software for some large companies.

I am a mom of a teenage boy and am concerned about the future of our county.

2. The liability could drag on as long as the costs are allocated in the budget, but the property most likely will be disposed of soon. The recent study by the accountants killed off any hope of making good use of it. What a shame that no one could come up with a workable idea. I don’t think you can expect accountants to be visionaries, so I don’t fault them; they think in terms of profits and expenses.

It takes a powerful vision and a lot of public support to make something happen in a community (such as building a YMCA and a beautiful library).

The property was acquired before a vision could be developed.

Sharon Rivenbark didn’t hide anything in the transfer of ownership. Everyone involved was aware that moving the For Bare Feet operation to Martinsville was not by choice, it was by necessity. Changing the property to meet insurance requirements was

cost-prohibitive. So it was received by the commissioners with the belief that something good could be made of it for the county. And now nothing can happen because that belief is gone.

3. Our tax rate is pretty low compared to other counties. Sometimes we have to go into debt to maintain what we have. Governments work a lot like our households. We can’t save money because we have to spend all we take in. If we need a new roof on our house, we have to borrow some extra money. Communities borrow money and then pay it back through a temporary tax levy over time. Our county borrowed to fix our bridges and we paid it back. Now we need to maintain our roads and courthouse so we don’t end up paying more to fix them later. We shouldn’t see much difference in our tax bills.

4. Tax increment financing allows economic development officials to collect the property tax from the increased assessed value of the new investments within a TIF district. The TIF district normally accrues the assessed value growth of the property to fund infrastructure (like sewers, roads, or bridges) or other improvements. The money can even be used for land acquisition and development.

It is one of the few ways a government can finance public money to leverage private investment.

Great care must be taken when considering the TIF option. There could be some hidden costs or consequences. Sometimes the increase in the property valuation can be offset by an increased demand in other things, like emergency services. The county auditor and assessor have to spend a lot more of their time keeping track of TIF districts. There is a risk that market changes could make a project smaller or delay investment, thereby dropping the TIF revenue. It is my understanding that a developer can make a “guarantee” in the agreement to eliminate some risk. All parties involved in the TIFs need good lawyers with expertise in that kind of financing. There is a danger of favoritism when develop-

Re-Elect Sandy Seitz Cain Brown County Recorder

Dedicated and devoted to maintaining and preserving the records of Brown County.

Lifelong resident of Brown County. Property owner since 1985

Member of : The Parkview Church of the Nazarene, IRA (Indiana Recorder’s Association), AIC (Association of Indiana Counties), The Commission of Public Records Volunteer at Mother’s Cupboard 23 years in County Government

My First Term of Recorder

Put Real Estate Indexes on line from July, 1988 to present www.uslandrecords.com • Started the Property Fraud Alert System in the Recorder’s Office • Provided the convenience of payment by Credit/Debit Cards • Indexed all Surveys recorded by Section, Township & Range • Combined and indexed all recorded Ordinances of Brown County • Earned 31 credit hours of Continuing Education Courses

My Ambitions for the Next Term

• Scanning and indexing documents from 1960 until 1988 • Archive indexing and scanning from 1959 back to the year 1873 • Completing the process of scanning all plats and subdivisions on computer • Continuing with my Education Credit Courses • Continuing with an efficient and helpful office

Paid for by Sandy Seitz Cain for Brown County Recorder

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Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

ers and their lawyers are politically connected. But if a solid plan can be traced to new jobs and increased business for Nashville and Brown County, it could be a good thing.

Janet Vanderdussen (D) No responses

No responses.

Diana McDonald Biddle (R) No responses.

Duncan Adams (L) 1. Trader, business owner, ex-retail store owner. Age 55; life experiences.

2. This question is flawed. The county should not own it. It should be sold.

3. Roads first, courthouse second if at all.

4. Bad question. No new taxes.

Kyle Edward Clark (L)

David L. Critser (R)

ADAMS

Barbara Gardner Adams (L)

1. I have worked in lower management and supervisory positions. I also help in running a household budget.

Who better to keep a county’s finances and budget in check?

2. I think the property should not be owned by the county. Sell it and use that ADAMS revenue in areas where we NEED it.

3. The first and main concern would be the county roads. No grant money and no new taxation.

4. TIF, no. I do not believe that taxpayers’ money should EVER be used to fund private enterprise.

1. I have been a successful businessperson for 40-plus years and Brown County councilperson for 15.5 years.

2. One to two years, at most.

3. Courthouse renovation and maintenance of county roads are two different funds and/or tax revenues. We cannot use from one to the other.

CRITSER Raising real estate taxes is the only way to renovate the courthouse. County road maintenance will get better with the economy, or by borrowing for a quicker fix, which will also raise taxes somewhere.

4. TIF, that is a good question. Of the two projects named, the Opry and the area around it will be good TIF, because we are thinking of retail businesses only. Schooner Valley Village is OK only if it is for retail business. Apartments and nursing homes need to be excluded from this plan. Each TIF area needs to be studied and researched extensively before it is presented.

Jerry L. Pittman (R) 1. I have served in this office since January 2011. I have attended 99 percent of all council and regularly scheduled commissioners meetings since that time. I am well informed about the county’s business. I have lived my entire life here, as my

family has since 1868. I graduated from Cincinnati Christian University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

I have been in the Christian ministry since 1972, serving churches here and in surrounding counties. I have farmed in this county since 1968. My father and I established Pittman Oil and Gas in 1977 and I PITTMAN ran the business from 1986 to 2001. After selling the business, I continued to operate it for Star Gas Propane until 2004. In this business, I learned to manage as many as 20 employees, dealing with 2,500 customers, issues such as taxes, accounting, insurance, payroll, government regulations, customer service, credit, budgeting and many other business skills. Most important of all, through this life experience I have learned how to relate to people in a positive way, and have been able to get people to work together.

2. The results of the study group appointed by the commissioners indicates that the only viable option for this property is to sell it. I applaud the work done by Evan Werling and Larry and Julie Ness in exploring all possible options for this property. I believe it may take as much as two years to find a buyer, but the cost of holding this property until then will be outweighed by the sale price.

3. We are already beginning to accumulate funds for the courthouse renovation/remodeling.

Depending on the cost and timing of this project, we will probably have to borrow funds. The county roads are another matter. There are a number of initiatives being considered at the state level to provide additional money for roads. One option is to route some of the sales tax money back to the county. If we get no help from the state, our only option for maintaining and improving our roads would be to borrow money and repay it through an increase in

property taxes. Would the citizens of Brown County be willing to pay more in taxes to have better roads?

I would love to have input on this issue.

4. TIF has been used successfully in some cities/counties. It is a fairly complicated arrangement and its success is dependent on several factors over which the county would have very little control. I would be extremely cautious about pursuing this option.

county RECORDER 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. Timely and accurate recording is crucial to this office. How do you make sure this is done?

Sandy Seitz Cain (D)

1. I have served Brown County as a public official or employee for 23 years with competence and honesty. I currently serve you as your Brown County recorder. I graduated from Brown County High School in 1975 and Indiana Business College.

My experience through the years with the county has CAIN taught me the importance of land records and the value of keeping those records safe and protected. I am dedicated to preserving and enhancing access to the records of our county. During my first term as recorder, I accomplished much in moving us into the digital age. The real estate indexes are online from July 1988 to the present.

My office is currently indexing, working toward getting all the documents on the computer system, some as early as 1873. Everything in the recorder’s

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Vote Libertarian National Gary Johnson, President Jim Gray, Vice President Andrew “Andy” Horning, U.S. Senate

State Rupert Boneham, Governor Brad Klopfenstein, Lieutenant Governor Al Cox, Representative Dist. 65

County Don Barriger Jr.,Commissioner Dist. 3 Duncan Adams,County Council at Large Barbara Gardner Adams,County Council at Large Kyle Clark, County Council at Large Paid for by Libertarian Party of Brown County, Duncan Adams, treasurer.

Page 8 (Continued from page 7)

Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

office has been microfilmed, and is safely kept off site.

I have earned over 30 credit hours of continuing education classes through Purdue.

Through Affiliated Computer Systems, I have started the Property Fraud Alert System.

2. Timely and accurate recording is very crucial to the recorder. Each document that comes in is stamped and timed as soon as it has been checked for the essential requirements for recording. It is crucial that the documents submitted for recording are recorded in the order that they were received, in order to keep the chain of title correct. In order to meet the various needs for those searching the records, the indexes are indexed by both the buyer and the seller, by the property description, date of instrument, date of recording, and by the book and page. Each document is scanned and checked for accuracy before the end of the day. At the end of the day, we run a backup of the whole system, which is taken off site nightly. The next morning we return the original documents to the correct person.

Larry L. Gardner (R)

1. Currently serving as chairman of the Jackson Township Advisory Board; served four years as the Jackson Township deputy trustee; served six years as vice president of the Brown County Economic Development Commission; 20 years of management and supervisory experience during career. The GARDNER knowledge I have gained over many years to accomplish my business obligations, my sense of professionalism and serving my community in a number of capaci-

ties, inspire me with confidence that I am qualified to serve as the next Brown County recorder.

2. My understanding is that the county recorders are responsible for recording a variety of documents, such as deed, mortgages, liens, filing business names and veterans’ discharge records, to name a few of the tasks that must be satisfied by the recorder’s office. My objective for the recorder’s office will be to make certain that all business will be conducted in a professional and timely manner.

The state of Indiana provides mandatory training for the recorder’s office, and this training will assist in obtaining the objective. I will make certain that staff and I receive this essential training so as to fulfill the duties that are required of the recorder’s office.

county TREASURER 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. Do you have any new and innovative ideas on ways to handle tax sale properties: for example, offering people a payment plan?

Barbara Melton (D)

1. I am an American citizen. I live in a country that is governed by the people for the people. My other qualifications include time spent as freshman class treasurer, the years spent as treasurer at my church for over four years, experience in county government here as a parttime employee. I am a propMELTON erty owner. I also pay taxes here in Brown County, but most of all, I enjoy serving the people of Brown County and would be honored to serve as the next treasurer.

VOTE NOVEMBER 6

DAVE ANDERSON Commissioner Republican, District 1

Experienced, Reliable, Impartial

“If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” Paid for by Dave Anderson for Commissioner Committee

2. I would have no objection to working with taxpayers and a payment plan. I also would make myself available to the taxpayers at times other than 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday. Making the hours and office more user-friendly might make it easier for the taxpayer to pay taxes. The local government offices must work under the state limitations and statutes, but I want to explore and find out what else we might be able to do.

Mary E. Smith (R)

1. I began working in the treasurer’s office part-time, starting in 2001, until I took the job of deputy treasurer in 2006. I became chief deputy treasurer in 2010 and currently hold this position.

Because of my experience, I have a good understanding of all the duties that the treasurer’s office must perSMITH form. I already have a good reputation with the public because I am knowledgeable and dedicated to resolving problems and concerns of the taxpayers in Brown County. I graduated from Indiana University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

2. During the time period in Brown County when there were reassessment problems, we had quite a few people on payment plans due to our speedy catch-up plan that required two years of property taxes to be collected in one year. At that time the state of Indiana allowed our county to set up payment plans with the terms that, as long as a taxpayer faithfully came in and made payments, they would not be penalized when we arrived at the tax collection due date. A large number of people took advantage of this payment arrangement. The unfortunate fact is that probably less than half of the people who signed up for a payment plan fulfilled their end of the plan.

After Brown County tax collections were back on a normal May/November schedule, we were no longer able to offer the same payment plan we offered before. However, that does not mean that a taxpayer can’t come in and make weekly/monthly payments on their own.

Right now, I can only think of only one person in the whole county who has faithfully made payments every week or every two weeks on their November installment. As soon as this person paid their May installment off in the spring, the taxpayer started working on the November installment, which I am happy to say is now paid in full!

We always tell taxpayers that we don’t want your home or property to be sold at tax sale, and we are willing to work with people in any way we can, but we are limited by state law as to how long we can allow property taxes to go unpaid before further action must be taken.

We also like to remind people that if the worst should happen and their property/home goes to tax sale and sells, they still have one year to redeem it back. No one is legally allowed to come on the property or evict someone from their home before a year’s time is up.

In closing, if elected, I plan to look into an option the treasurer’s office has recently been given regarding tax payments being paid through direct withdrawal from a person’s bank account.

county SURVEYOR 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. Since the surveyor does most of the work outside the office, how can we be assured the collected information gets to the proper county office in a timely manner?

David K. Harden (D) 1. I started working at Associated Engineers with my dad in 1967 after school and during the summers on the survey crew. After graduation, my responsibilities were to run the survey crew, handle construction stakeouts, inspections for bridges, roads, buildings and various projects. From 1975-1983, I HARDEN handled these same responsibilities for Harden Engineers.

I have been associated with the county surveyor’s office since 1983, working with John Rudd and for Robert Allen in his land surveying business. I have had the privilege to work and learn firsthand from two of the best men I have ever known: my dad and Bob. In March 2007, I was asked by the county commissioners to carry out the remaining term of John Rudd as county surveyor.

I have always enjoyed working with the county and helping the public when at all possible, and look forward to continuing to serve as the county surveyor.

2. In all actuality, the county surveyor’s work consists of more indoor work than outdoor work.

The county surveyor’s office is more of an information center with constant updating and correcting information and maps.

Kevin D. Allen (R) No responses.

JUDGE OF THE CIRCUIT COURT — BROWN 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. If and when the county courthouse is remodeled and added to, what would be on your wish list for the court improvements?

Judith A. Stewart (D)

1. Over 14 years’ experience as judge of the Brown Circuit Court; referee of the Brown Circuit Court under Judge Sam Rosen; United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana serving as a federal prosecutor and representing the United States in civil litigation; private practice of law hanSTEWART dling general civil litigation; doctor of jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis; bachelor’s degree from Butler University.

2. Improvements to jury room: Provide handicapped accessibility; make it large enough to allow all jurors to sit at the jury table; include restrooms.

Improvements to security: A separate, secure entrance and sally port for the sheriff to transport inmates to court and a secure holding/waiting area for them inside the courthouse; videoconferencing capability to minimize prisoner transports by the sheriff for hearings; better security to ensure weapons are not brought into the courthouse.

Improvements to efficiency of office space: A better layout so that individuals do not have to walk through the courtroom and court proceedings to reach the court offices; more office/ conference room space to allow litigants and their attorneys to confer privately and to provide space at the courthouse for the guardian ad litem and public defenders; a break room with a table, small refrigerator, microwave and sink for employees.

Page 9

Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

SCHOOL BOARD AT LARGE (one from each district elected) 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. The knowledge of other languages and cultures in this global economy has become increasingly important. What are your views on introducing foreign language skills in the earlier grades?

3. The Brown County school corporation has made great strides in infrastructure.

What do you see as additional improvements and services?

4. The Brown County Career Resource Center is a valuable asset to the community.

What do you see the school board’s role is in assuring the continued funding of the CRC?

Dist. 2 Doug Cauble 1. I was employed by Brown County Schools for 30 years, retiring in 2009. I held the positions of maintenance technician, maintenance director and director of facilities and transportaCAUBLE tion. I understand the school system, the processes and the needs and challenges as well.

I have a bachelor’s degree in art and sociology from Western Colorado University in Gunnison, Colo. I have experience in the following public and nonprofit boards: President of the Brown County Library Board; member of the historical society board; member of the Brown County Community Foundation Nominating Committee; president of Mother’s Cupboard

Community Kitchen Board of Directors, volunteer for 12 years and board member for 10; past vice president of the Brown County Area Plan Commission; member of the original Brown County Career Resource Center Steering Committee.

Additionally, I have been employed as a cook, custodian, bartender, printmaker, welfare intake worker and leather crafter.

2. I believe the knowledge and understanding of other cultures and beliefs is vital in our ever-shrinking world. That understanding cannot start too soon. I would support any foreign language initiative recommended by the administration that could be implemented within our funding resources.

3. We live in an ever-changing, technologically interconnected world. It is important that Brown County Schools continues to be a leader in this area. All corporation buildings should have fiber-optic access to high-speed Internet. It is equally important to work, in whatever way possible, to help bring high-speed interconnectedness to all areas of Brown County. There is so much information available to our students 24-7 that it is vitally important for them to learn to differentiate between what is factual and what is opinion. We need to be certain that our children are expanding their knowledge beyond how to use programs for presentations to being intelligent users of the information available.

Brown County Schools has made many needed improvements to buildings and grounds, and I feel my experience in facility administration would be a valuable addition to the board of school trustees.

4. As a member of the original CRC steering committee, I was involved in much discussion and decision regarding the role of the Brown County Schools Board of Trustees in the funding and governance of the Brown County Career

VOTE Joe

WRAY Commissioner Paid for by Joe Wray for Commissioner, Jill Wray, Treasurer

Resource Center. I believe that Brown County Schools should provide the facility and support services for the CRC. I feel the school board should help the CRC strive to become sustainable by corporate funding and the use of user fees.

Stephanie Porter Kritzer 1. I am presently coowner of Kritzer’s Feed Store in Gnaw Bone. My previous employment includes working as a Prime Time and special needs paraprofessional for Brown County Schools from September 1995 to March 2012.

During this time, my children were students in Brown KRITZER County Schools and I served on report card and technology committees as well as PTO. From December 1990 to June 1995, I was employed at Hilltop Childcare where I was taught the importance of early childhood education.

Other employment includes retail sales for JC Penney for 10 years.

As a business owner, I must work within a budget on a daily basis and know that decisions and choices must be made to meet customer needs and are often times difficult. I have seen firsthand the needs of the students and teachers in Brown County.

2. I believe introducing foreign language skills in earlier grades is a great idea. Some studies have shown that children who are exposed to foreign language are more open to diversity and accepting to other cultures. We must, however, give teachers training and materials to support this program.

3. With recent improvements in security and science labs in all our schools, it would be a good time to step back and take a look at which needs of our students are not being met and then move forward.

4. I believe the CRC is valuable to the community and would like it to be financially selfsufficient. However, I would be supportive of helping find grants and encourage fundraising activities. I would like to research how other communities support their centers and apply it to our own.

Dist. 3 Teresa Ann Harden

1. I currently serve as a professor of nursing for two universities. I am a family nurse practitioner.

The last 10 years of employment have been in higher education. I have served on committees for curriculum, budget and regulatory. I have also been involved with the certification involved with HARDEN the Higher Learning Commission. I also write for Pearson Publication.

2. My foremost concern with language is English with specifics on grammar and proficient writing skills along with fluent speaking capabilities. I am a very strong proponent of excelling in the math and sciences area. Great opportunities are seen for students in these areas. I would like to see additional strengths in these areas over a foreign language. However, if it can be as an elective or in the gifted and

(Continued on page 10)

LEARN ABOUT STATE, U.S. OFFICE CANDIDATES Indiana voters will have several opportunities to watch debates among candidates for U.S. Senate and governor this month.

The Indiana Debate Commission will present two fall debates among U.S. Senate candidates Joe Donnelly (D), Andrew Horning (L) and Richard Mourdock (R):  Monday, Oct. 15: WFYI-TV (no studio audience), Indianapolis, 7 p.m., moderated by Mizell Stewart III, E.W. Scripps Co.’s chief content officer/newspaper division;  Tuesday, Oct. 23: Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center, Indiana University Southeast, (seating for up to 500) New Albany, 7 p.m., moderated by Ericka Flye, WRTV anchor and host of “Indianapolis This Week.”

Debates among governor candidates John Gregg (D), Rupert Boneham (L) and Mike Pence (R) will take place:  Wednesday, Oct. 10: Zionsville Performing Arts Center (seating for up to 1,200), Zionsville, 7 p.m.;  Wednesday, Oct. 17: DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (seating for up to 840), South Bend, 7 p.m.;  Wednesday, Oct. 25: WFWA-TV PBS 39 (no studio audience), Fort Wayne, 7 p.m.

For a list of all the scheduled debates, venues and times, visit the commission’s website, http://indianadebatecommission.com. Ticket details for venues with free seats available for the public will be announced closer to the date of each scheduled debate. Watch for updates on the commission’s website and via Facebook at www.facebook.com/IndianaDebateCommission.

The commission also provides a live stream on its website for debates and archives all of the taped debates on its website for later viewing.

Voters can submit questions for candidates in both races online through Oct. 20 at http://indianadebatecommission.com.

Page 10

VOTER INFORMATION

2012 PRIMARY ELECTION IS TUESDAY, NOV. 6 Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Indiana residents can still register to vote in the Nov. 6 election until Oct. 9. Voter registration forms and instructions for submitting them are available at the clerk’s office in the courthouse or on the secretary of state’s website, www.in.gov/sos/ elections/2403.htm. Voters also can register at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

ABSENTEE VOTING:

Absentee voting by mail is under way.

Voters can call the clerk’s office at 988-5510 to request an application for an absentee ballot.

Walk-in absentee voting will take place in the small conference room on the first floor of the County Office Building starting at 8 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday-Friday through Friday, Nov. 2; Saturday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon.

POLL LOCATIONS

Locations marked with an asterisk (*) have changed since the primary election.

*Hamblen 1: Sprunica Elementary School, 3611 Sprunica Road Hamblen 2: Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road Hamblen 3: Church of the Lakes, 8844 Nineveh Road *Jackson 1: Faith Full Gospel Church, 6811 State Road 135 North Jackson 2: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 5802 Old Settlers Road Jackson 3 and 4: Helmsburg Elementary School, 5378 Helmsburg School Road Van Buren 1: Van Buren Elementary School, 4045 State Road 135 South Washington 1: North Salem United Methodist Church, 7718 State Road 46 East Washington 2: Parkview Church of the Nazarene (family life building), 1750 State Road 46 East Washington 3: New Life Community Church, 1450 State Road 135 North Washington 4: County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane

Not sure what precinct you live in?

Check with the county clerk’s office at 988-5510 or go online to www.indianavoters.com

Voters can register to vote online, check their registration status, find the location of their polling place and see who will be on their ballot at

www.indianavoters.com

PHOTO ID LAW: Voters must present valid photo identification at the polls on Election Day and when voting absentee at the County Office Building. In order to be acceptable, the identification must state the name of the voter, contain his or her photograph, have an expiration date and still be valid or expired after Nov. 2, 2010, and be issued by the State of Indiana or United States government.

QUESTIONS?

Any voters with questions about voting can call the clerk’s office at 988-5510.

Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

(Continued from page 9) talented, I see no reason not to offer.

3. When speaking on infrastructure, I find it important to state that keeping the facilities we have on the cutting edge for technology and communication are key important areas. The addition of the science labs for the elementary schools has been a stellar component for education. If elected, I would review current proposed additions and then look at the economics and benefits to the students and taxpayers of Brown County.

3. Since the CRC is a valuable asset to the community, all areas need to be exhausted for funding. I believe the county along with Ivy Tech Community College Columbus and the school board have a role in collaborative funding. There may private donors who would be available for funding. We should also continue to look for grants available.

Steve Miller Jr.

1. I am a 1986 graduate of Brown County High School, 1988 graduate of Vincennes University with an associate degree in aviation maintenance technology, 1988 F.A.A.-certified airframe and powerplant mechanic and a 1992 graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in MILLER organizational leadership and supervision technology.

2. I am a supporter of introducing foreign language skills in earlier grades. It must be something built upon in later grade levels or the student won’t retain those skills.

I would also like to add that a student should have a good grasp of English first before being allowed to learn another language.

3. I have used the school system’s websites for the past few years to look up information and it is very nice to use a website that allows you to find your information pretty quickly.

Infrastructure is one component of a business or school corporation that can’t afford to rest on its achievements, because something new comes along everyday in that arena. I would suggest just keeping a constant eye on what new tools are out there for constant improvement. Asking the teachers what tools they need for infrastructure improvement is a better place to start than with me. I would then review their needs to see what could be done to accommodate them.

4. The CRC is a huge asset and could use more attention, I think. The school board should support in any way possible to make sure their funding is supplied. There are some that can’t do the normal routine to get a high school diploma for any number of reasons, and the CRC is there to help people have a better chance in life, so they must be given attention.

Sherri Rice

1. Employed at the Brown County Health Department as a registered nurse for the past seven years. Twenty-nine years of experience as a registered nurse working in various settings including hospitals, pediatrician’s office, OB office, surgery, WIC clinic, RICE etc. I have taught classes including CPR, first aid, smoking cessation and infant care. I also work part-time as accounts manager for Homestead Folk Toys. In my position at the health department, I have served on teams involved in both immunization clinics and disaster preparedness in Brown County. I am a

mother of three children who attended Brown County Schools.

2. I feel that it will be increasingly important for children to learn a second language. Studies show that children at a younger age are more adept at learning a second language, so it would be very beneficial to offer foreign languages at the elementary level. However, we should also continue to focus on improving our literacy skills in all grade levels, enabling greater proficiency of the English language.

3. Continued improvements to aging school structures as funds allow, without shortchanging funds that go to our teachers, support staff and educational materials. Continue to look at ways we can provide a high quality education with flexibility for students’ individual gifts or deficits. A program allowing the option of sports to count as a physical education credit, enabling students to take more academic or arts curriculum as they choose. Establish a strong anti-bullying policy. A formalized program to assist students in connecting with volunteer organizations in our community as an opportunity for service-learning experiences and for use in college application process. Continue to increase our graduation rates.

4. The school board is an advocate of the community, and serves as a fiscal check and balance system for the continued operation of the CRC. I would like to see a greater buy-in by the clients the CRC is serving. People served have a responsibility to give back in whatever way they can, whether it be in the form of volunteer time, monetary return or other ways. The CRC could explore other fundraising avenues in partnership with the not-for-profit agencies in order to develop a mutually beneficial relationship and greater self-sustainability.

Sandra Richardson

1. I spent many years with a large corporation, in their health insurance division as a team leader for health claims examiners.

The last few years with the company, prior to the company downsizing and moving out of the area, I was a corporate trainer, traveling to various locations in the RICHARDSON country, training health care examiners. After a few years as a stay-at-home mom with my daughter, I was a substitute teacher here in the county. I also held the position of after school care director at Sprunica Elementary. Presently, I am an administrative assistant/project coordinator with a local construction company here in Brown County.

I also work a few hours a week for St. David’s in Bean Blossom as their parish secretary, and also volunteer at Mother’s Cupboard with St. David’s, once a month, to cook and serve food.

All of the positions I have held, over my span of working years, are ones that require not only leadership and team effort, but effective communication skills as well as the ability to be a good listener. Processing information, verbally as well as written, is extremely important and one that I manage very effectively. Making decisions or compromises as well as working with a variety of personalities has played a large part of each position I have held. All of these skills, as well as a working knowledge of customary operating procedures of boards, having served as PTO president for two years, are ones that I feel will greatly contribute to the school board of Brown County, should I be elected as a member.

2. I believe that introducing foreign language skills in earlier grades is something to seriously be considered. Many studies have shown that students have an easier learning experience

Brown County Democrat 2012 General Election Guide

processing foreign languages at an earlier age. It not only teaches students a new communication skill, but also allows them to learn about different cultures and society as a whole. Starting the process early can lead to a better fluency in the chosen language by the time the child reaches high school age and continues on with that language as part of their learning experience. Moving on from high school into college or employment, our children are entering into a world where millions of Americans speak another language besides English. Implementing this in our schools, however, would have to include a strong program designed for elementary foreign language learning, teachers with adequate foreign language skills, and parental involvement/ support. Growing up in a metropolitan area, I have known of some magnet schools that have had great success with this type of program. I would love to see our students have this opportunity.

3. The Brown County school corporation has made many impressive strides in our infrastructure. Sprunica Elementary was the first of the elementary schools in our district to receive a state-of-the-art lab for science. This lab, speaking as a parent, was beyond anything I could have imagined, and the students and staff, as well as parents, were very excited. Implementing these labs in the other elementary schools shows our commitment to the advantage our children will have in this area of study. The redesigning of our entryways in the various buildings to ensure the safety of our children has been a great stride. Our commitment to install fiber-optic cable to all of our schools, as well as the interactive projectors in each classroom, can only greatly increase our technology resources.

I would personally like to see us continue on with the advances in technology with the most up-to-date computer hardware to be available for all grades, as well as software to enrich all of our students’ learning abilities. I would also like to see more progress in our recycling programs for our outlying elementary schools. I do believe this is a very exciting time for our school infrastructure with the significant changes that have been implemented. I look forward, if elected, to upcoming projects, be it improvements to our buildings, technology equipment or expansion geared to our extra-curricular activities that will not only benefit our students and schools, but our community as well.

4. I agree that the CRC is a very valuable asset to our community as a whole. In my opinion, its continued operation — to provide to our community the benefits that anyone seeking a GED, or continuing education with credit courses offered through Ivy Tech, working with our schools to provide career-related resources for our junior high and high school students, as well as the many other opportunities they offer — is invaluable to Brown County. I feel that the Brown County school district’s continued involvement, working in conjunction with the other community donors and organizations, as well as the CRC’s continued promotional and fundraising activities, are the keys to sustaining this valuable resource to our community. A facility in our midst, dedicated to continuing education resources to improve the quality of life, earning capabilities or maybe just the opportunity for someone who thought they might never succeed or have the chance for higher learning, to discover it is within their goal, is a goal I believe the school board would want to continue having an active role in overseeing.

Teresa Waltman

1. I am the proud parent of four children.

Three of my four children (Lyndsi, Chelsey and Braeten) have graduated from Brown County Schools. All three that have graduated are now

attending college. My fourth child, Dylan, is a freshman at Brown County High School.

I have completed several training seminars through the Indiana School Boards Association: leadership seminar, “Current Issues in Special Education” and school law. I have been on WALTMAN the school board for eight years and feel that we have a five-member board that works and functions well together. I have held the president’s position for several years. I am currently serving as the vice president of the board.

My husband and I have a successful business here in Brown County. We have been together for 23 years. I do all the office work for our business.

2. In the past several years, local schools have demonstrated an increased interest in beginning the study of foreign language in the early grades. Influencing this trend are many reports urging that the study of foreign language other than English begin early. Another influence on the trend toward an early start is research that indicates that the early study of a second language results in cognitive benefits, gains in academic achievements, and positive attitudes toward diversity and tolerance of other nationalities, cultures and religions.

While I would be in favor of adding learning opportunities for our students, which could include foreign language at the elementary level, these types of additions must be balanced by the current curriculum demands and the time available within our elementary school day. The needs of our students to cover the curriculums of English, mathematics, science and social studies and budgetary limitations are factors which impact curriculum considerations.

3. The following are several key curriculum and instructional additions and improvements:  Implementation of the Gateway program at the junior high. The Gateway program is a science and engineering program that features a project-based curriculum designed to challenge and engage the curiosity and imagination of junior high school students. They will envision, design and test their ideas with advanced modeling software.  The construction and completion of a STEM lab at Nashville Elementary. Sprunica, Helmsburg and Van Buren have already been completed. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is now being taught at our elementary schools.  Future improvements for consideration include efforts to improve energy conservation in heating/cooling systems and replacement of our out-of-date windows in different buildings.

These actions will help relieve general fund expenses. Of course, we will continue to provide the latest technological opportunities for our students.

4. The school board’s role is to support the CRC in its efforts to seek additional opportunities within and outside of the county and to assist the CRC in maintaining current revenue streams. The board will continue to provide the district resources for the day-to-day operation of the CRC.

WHAT DISTRICT AM I? The Brown County clerk’s office (988-5510) can answer this question.

You can also enter your voter information at www.indianavoters.com to learn which candidates you can vote for.

Page 11

WATCH THE CANDIDATE FORUMS

LIVE ONLINE

The Brown County Democrat will broadcast the two candidate forums in October live over the Internet through

www.bcdemocrat.com

The first forum, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, will include candidates for school board and state offices. The second forum, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, will be for county commissioner and county council candidates. Both forums will take place in the County Office Building, Salmon Room (second floor meeting room). Those unable to attend in person can watch both forums live through the Internet – and ask questions through the Internet during the webcast.

To watch the webcast:

1. On the night of the forum, go to www.bcdemocrat.com and click on the story link under local news: “LIVE VIDEO: Brown County candidate forum” 2. Click on the web link to the video in that story.

3. Another screen will open in your browser. This is the screen that will show the video when it goes live. Before the broadcast begins, you will see an old video. But the new one will start when the forum starts that evening.

4. Viewers can submit questions to be asked of the candidates during the webcast (or get help from the Brown County Democrat staff member who is running the webcast). To ask a question, look on the right side of the video page and click on the “Livestream” chat window. You can type your question there. The Brown County Democrat staff person will pass your question for the candidates to the moderator at the forum. If your question is chosen, the moderator who will read it live during the webcast and you can hear the candidatesʼ answers.

2012 Democratic Candidates Would like to remind you to vote november 6, 2012

Your Vote Counts President of the United States BARACK OBAMA

United States Senator JOE DONNELY

County Treasurer

BARBARA MELTON

County Surveyor

DAVID K. HARDEN

Governor

County Commissioner District 1

United States Representative District 9

County Commissioner District 3

Judge of the Circuit Court 88th District

County Council At-Large

JOHN R. GREGG SHELLI YODER

JUDITH STEWART

County Recorder

SANDY SEITZ CAIN

DAN L. HUESMAN

EVELYN KRITZER KENT

Vote for three only DAVID RUDD CINDY STEELE JANET VAN DER DUSSEN

Paid for by the Brown County Democratic Central Committee, Maxine J. Bailey, Treasurer.