Primary Election 2012

BROWN COUNTY

PRIMARY Election 2012

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INSIDE: POLL LOCATIONS | CANDIDATE FORUMS | VOTER INFORMATION MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

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Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

WATCH THE CANDIDATE FORUMS

LIVE ONLINE

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

www.bcdemocrat.com The first forum, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, will include candidates for contested Brown County offices. The second forum, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, will be for the five Democrat candidates for the 9th District Congressional seat. Both forums will take place in the County Office Building, 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 q question for the candidates to the moderator at the forum. If y your q question is chosen, the moderator who will read it live during the webcast and you can hear the candidatesʼ answers.

For this special section, 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. The former sock factory in Helmsburg will be a major issue the new commissioners will need to address. What are your views on this issue?

3. What lessons were learned in the sock factory fire, and what steps should be taken to improve emergency services in Brown County?

4. How important do you feel economic development is to Brown County? In this regard, how would you support the Economic Development Commission?

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 these 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 complex will necessitate the county spending money on this facility to maintain and remodel it as necessary. The commissioners could coordinate with Turning Point executives and explore the possibility of using the complex as a shelter for domestic violence victims in the county. Anything the property is ultimately used for will have to be balanced with the inconvenient location for the majority of our county’s residents. As it stands now, it is only convenient for those persons residing in the immediate area. Another possibility for its use is for the county to brainstorm with Economic Development and consider the creation of a TIF district to potentially attract another commercial enterprise to occupy the complex.

3. Any lessons learned from the fire are more relevant to our emergency services agencies, more so than the commissioners. As a legislative body, the commissioners’ involvement in the aftermath of the fire is limited. The results of the fire are more of a wake-up call to us that our water system in Brown County is a domestic water system and not a fire-rated system. 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 for firefighting.

4. The residents of Brown County need to be heard on this issue. Do we want to continue the course and remain a tourist destination, or do they want to see us develop more commercially? Any economic development must be balanced with the appropriate infrastructure to support this development. For example, do we have adequate information technology, water, sewer, tax abatements/incentives, etc., to attract commercial development?

If the answer is no, then do we have the funds necessary to provide or upgrade our infrastructure to support economic development? Again, if the answer is no, then we need to decide once and for all how we as residents and stewards of this county intend to remain relevant into the next century.

Dave Anderson (R) 1. I served four years of active duty in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in September 1966. I then joined the Indiana State Police in early 1967 where I worked primarily out of the Bloomington post.

I also attended Indiana University in its school of public and environmental affairs for three ANDERSON years and was selected for assignment to the criminal investigation division for the last 15 years of service, before retiring in December 1990.

In January 1991 I became the Brown County sheriff and served two terms in that office. While managing that office along with the very small and outdated jail, work had begun on the planning of a new jail and implementation of E911. This endeavor was clearly challenging on both fronts but at the same time quite rewarding. Surprisingly, at least to me, was the E911 mapping which was primarily done by a handful of local residents who clearly knew what they were doing and at a huge cost savings to our county.

During 1998 I was honored to serve out the remainder of Jim Crane’s term as chairman of the Brown County Republican Party.

After leaving the sheriff’s department I opened a small insurance agency in Nashville and managed that until 2008 when my son took over that business. I began doing private investigations work for insurance companies along with civilian clients. I continue to work in this field currently.

With regard to qualifications for the office of commissioner, I am very comfortable with my background in both the law enforcement world as well as the business world. I have a good understanding of government and how it functions at the county level.

The county commissioner is a very important part of government at the local level, and I have a solid understanding of that role and responsibility. I feel I can contribute experienced and impartial judgment on the issues that affect our citizens.

2. The former sock factory in Helmsburg was a gift to the county after a devastating fire destroyed one of the large buildings on that land. Theoretically, this could be a wonderful gift to Brown County, and it is, but there is also a downside.

There are two large buildings still standing at the site and material for the third is there. The cost of erecting that third building will be significant. No insurance company will insure any of these buildings without the installation of sprinkler systems in all three. Once again, that cost will be significant. In addition to the costs mentioned above, those sprinkler systems could not be effective at this time because Brown County does not currently have enough water pressure to operate them. This would require the building of a water tower or holding tanks to provide adequate water and water pressure to operate those systems. Once again, funding is a huge issue and we are currently without the means, as a county, to pay for this.

I believe that all is not lost because of this inability to pay for what is needed in Helmsburg. An idea that is currently being entertained is to make this a large sports entertainment facility. That could work and be profitable, but we need partners for

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YOUR VOICE

Your Vote

REPRESENT YOUR VIEW! VOTE IN THE

Brown County Primary Election Tu e s d a y, M a y 8 , 2 0 1 2

VOTE

REPUBLICAN For more information contact

Jenni Voris

Brown County Republican Party Chairman

812.340.9342

Paid for the Brown County Republican Central Committee, Robyn Rosenberg, Treasurer

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Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

VOTER INFORMATION 2012 PRIMARY ELECTION IS TUESDAY, MAY 8 Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voter registration for the primary closed April 9. However, Indiana residents can still register to vote in the Nov. 6 general election between May 22 and 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. The deadline for the clerk to receive an application to vote absentee by mail is Monday, April 30.

Walk-in absentee voting will take place in the small conference room on the first floor of the County Office Building. This is a different location than during past elections. Walk-in absentee voting will be available: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, May 4; Saturday, April 28 and Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Monday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon.

POLL LOCATIONS (some of these locations have changed since the last election)

Hamblen 1: Hamblen Township Volunteer Fire Department, 4650 Sweetwater Trail Hamblen 2: Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road Hamblen 3: Church of the Lakes, 8844 Nineveh Road Jackson 1 and 2: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, State Road 135 North in Bean Blossom near the railroad tracks 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.

(Continued from page 2) this to happen. IU has shown interest in a serious way and they would be a good partner. Several from IU have visited the site and appear to be genuinely interested. This is one good idea and I’m sure many more will be forthcoming. Residents of Brown County could use the facility for year-round recreational activities. Also, organized sports could be managed as a revenue-producing means of defraying the cost of operations there.

Getting partners will be the key to making this endeavor not only possible, but probable. Marketing the property in a careful and wise way will be key.

3. I believe that the lessons to be learned for the sock factory fire are that sprinkler systems should be in place and operational and should be checked regularly. I feel certain that damages from that fire could have been minimized had they been in place and functioning.

With regard to improving emergency services in Brown County, I feel that we are in pretty good shape with our emergency services. Our fire department could not have prevented the loss of that structure. We simply did not have adequate amounts of water to expect our fire departments to be able to extinguish this fire.

4. I feel that economic development is very important to Brown County. It is essential that revenues generated from business entities help pay for the services that we all expect and enjoy.

Because of the depressed economy that is so prevalent across the state and country, it seems to me that sound and reasonable economic development planning is more important now than ever before.

In view of this, I would recommend funding for the EDC to remain about the same as it currently is. I know that this is not enough for what Brown County and the town of Nashville expect of this commission, but we all know that we are financially distressed right now. We could be more generous in the future as conditions improve.

I understand that there may be many residents who might believe we should do nothing and allow our county to revert back to the way it was many years ago. Clearly, we just cannot allow this to happen. If we are wise and very selective about the way we allow development in Brown County, I feel that we can keep it the beautiful and friendly place that we all love.

Over the past few years, Brown County has lost Ski World, the Little Nashville Opry and the sock factory. These businesses all generated a significant amount of revenue to the county general fund. Families who depended on these businesses for employment have had to relocate or at least try to find jobs elsewhere.

Many of Indiana’s counties have benefitted from partnerships and initiatives produced by their local economic commission. I would like to see renewed effort in this direction, perhaps partnering with surrounding counties. Marketing the Opry property to investors interested in locating in Nashville could be workable and would create jobs in our community.

As we all know, we are living in a distressed economy. I would be supportive of the Economic Development Commission and be willing to assist that entity financially to the extent we can afford it.

William “Bill” Boyle (R) 1. Maj. (Ret.) William Boyle, MBA. I am married and have lived in Brown County for 15 years and love this county.

I believe in conservative principles of good stewardship, cutting costs and limiting the role of government.

I am not a politician. I will not accept a salary. I will serve only one term. I feel it is my civic responsibility to serve, not take.

I am a believer that elected officials should represent the people and not their friends and the “good ol’ boys.”

I am a soldier. I began my military career in

1966 as an infantry private, and retired in 2008 as a major. During my military career, I served as a unit commander, branch manager and administrative staff officer.

In the National Guard, I served as a public affairs officer both as a unit commander and at 38th Division headquarters.

I am a businessman.

I earned my master’s BOYLE in business at Butler University. I participated in the transition of Blue Shield of Indiana into the Anthem organization. I served in both management and staff positions. I was placed in a position of diplomatically saying “no” to physicians and hospital administrators. I served as a financial advisor for budgets, negotiation of fees, and special projects.

I participated in the Camp Atterbury Joint Land Use Project and the Brown County Zone Planning Committee.

I served on the building and security commissions for the conservancy district.

I am an elder and a member of the Brown County Presbyterian Fellowship. I am a member of the Brown County Historical Society.

As a hobby I am a game master for Military History Historical Miniatures War Games at GENCON Indy.

I appreciate your vote.

2. Acquiring an asset which will increase in value is a valid business decision. If it cannot generate future revenue, the county should investigate an alternative solution.

3. Inspection of automated sprinkler systems and water supply is the other significant factor. New technologies for obtaining water from lakes and ponds, which are not accessible to fire equipment with older suction equipment, are concepts the county should promote with the appropriate action.

4. Government must promote economic development and market forces, welcome efforts that will reduce Brown County government involvement which will provide a competitive advantage to business. Do more for business development with fewer regulations to operate a business.

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 over 30 years. During that time, if I did not have a contracted route and owned my own bus, I was sub driver over several routes in the county.

KENT I was a volunteer in TRIAD for a couple of years and visited people over much of the county. I was also a substitute mail carrier for two years. I feel I have a decent knowledge of the county, as I have always lived here.

2. I have some concerns on this becoming county property. It is property taken off the property tax rolls. Therefore, instead of the county taking in money from taxes, we will be paying out. Already, there is the cost of insurance and maintenance. So far, I am not convinced that it is feasible for the county to accept this.

Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

3. Evidently, there needed to be more water there than could possibly be made available. I see the sock factory as something that started out for a good reason and was such a good thing that it grew and grew. It appears to me that it eventually grew beyond the water facilities which were needed to keep up with the protection of the factory. But also, let us use some common sense and look around at other locations outside our county that have access to more water facilities than we do and also have paid emergency services that we do not have. Are buildings that catch on fire in these types of locations saved from having fire losses? Usually not. We live in a real world where, regardless of how prepared we may be, unfortunate things do happen.

4. I have a hard time with this issue. If you consider an example of economic development to be all of the dirt that was removed from an area on the west side of Gnaw Bone and dumped in an ugly mess in front of Creekstone Apartments so apartment buildings could be built at Gnaw Bone, then this is not my idea of economic development.

Donna Kelp Lutes (R) 1. I have been in county government for several years, both as an elected official and as an hourly employee.

I have dealt with budgets and attended almost every commissioner and council meeting for the last year.

I am a lifelong resident of Brown County. I have three children who plan on making Brown LUTES County their home.

So I want to see good decisions made for my family as well as all the citizens of Brown County.

2. I feel the facility needs to be self-sustaining and supporting. I know we are looking to IU to help us make this project a success. I do not want this project to be a burden on the citizens of Brown County; it should be used for the good of all our citizens.

Hopefully, we can rent some areas of the complex very soon. We have county agencies that are paying rent, we need to get them into county-owned property so we do not have to fund this rent. Some of this money comes from grants, and they could be paying this rent to the county instead of private individuals.

Mother’s Cupboard — which has nothing to do with government, but pays, I believe, $700 a month rent in Bean Blossom — this amount could be lowered or, if left the same, they could have more space to expand.

I think it would be good if we could get agencies like Healthy Families, WIC and Mother’s Cupboard together under one roof.

I think there are tons of things that could be done with this property. The first thoughts were all sports related, but I can see the arts, theater, dance, all types of classes from cooking or cake decorating to Karate and any type of fitness. I think the sky is the limit with all the space we have. Mountain bike trails were mentioned. It’s not just the building, but the land that comes with it. I would love to have a swimming pool that would be open to the pubic all year-round. They could teach swimming lessons and perhaps Brown County could have a swim team.

If we could combine all of these into one center, this could turn into an asset for our county. We could use this area for fundraisers, bingo, high school reunions, birthday parties, receptions. There is so much space there, I think you could hold just about any type of get-together there.

Parks and rec already has so many projects, but no real area to expand. They could have after-school programs and summer projects. I would hope there

would be a way to pick up kids from the elementary schools and bring them to the complex. This would help with the burden of parents taking the kids to and from Helmsburg.

Right now, we have two senior citizen centers in Brown County that are having a hard time staying open with all the budget cuts. If you have never spent any time at one of these centers, you really should, but they are cramped and need more space for activities; this could be just the place.

Working with IU and HPER (School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation), hopefully others will see this as an asset and come on-board.

We have such a wealth of knowledge in this county, and we are able to do so much with only volunteers, I truly hope we can make this a positive thing for Brown County citizens.

I think we need to have meetings and get input from the citizens. What do they want done with this property? We need everyone’s help to make this a successful venture.

3. The sock factory fire should be a wake-up call to everyone! We need to look at our fire protection.

Why would other businesses want to come here if they cannot get adequate fire protection?

We need to upgrade so we have enough water pressure to take care of the businesses we have now, as well as our schools and our homes. We have lost the sock factory and the Opry. We had a large fire at The Seasons. Luckily that was built back and the jobs returned. We cannot lose more structures and jobs. What would happen if we had a major fire like we did on Christmas Eve when we lost the Sunshine Inn complex? This is a problem we should have been working on so this would not happen again.

We have wonderful new fire departments all over the county, and we have a new ambulance base, but if the fire departments can’t get along and work together at fires and not argue over who should be in the front of the building and who should be in the back, then we all lose. If the ambulance drivers can’t find us, we are in trouble. Everyone needs training, and that costs money, but I think lives are worth that money.

I personally love listening to the scanner and having Bob Roudebush tell people which house to go to by the color of the shutters or to go to the fifth drive on the left. This comes from years of dedicated service and cannot be taught in a classroom. I don’t think we should say that we can’t afford proper training.

4. I feel there are two sides to economic development. On one hand, we want and need jobs and want Brown County to grow; on the other hand, we do not want Brown County to grow. We want people to come here for the reasons that they always have — the natural beauty of our county, the friendly people, the state park, things you can’t make.

Right now, I don’t know of any job that the EDC has helped create — maybe a couple of shops in Nashville, but this is not what I think about when I think about EDC. I think the people of Brown County need to decide what they want in Brown County. Do we want development? We have the old Ski World property; this is supposed to be a town. We have the Opry that needs to be rebuilt and opened up again. We need those jobs and those tourists filling our motels and tourist homes, eating in our restaurants and shopping in our shops.

I am not 100 percent sure how they should be funded; I don’t really feel this should be getting much-needed tax dollars if they aren’t bringing in businesses to regenerate those tax dollars.

When I think of EDC, I think of jobs; when I think of bringing tourists here to spend their money in our county, I think of the convention and visitors bureau. I think if we want our county to be quaint and small like it always has, we need to use tourism as our main industry. The more attractions we have, the more tourists we get to spend their money here,

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WHAT PRECINCT DO I LIVE IN? (The Brown County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse has a larger version of this map.)

Brown County is divided into 12 precincts. Your precinct determines where you vote, and, in some election years, which candidates you are able to vote for. During the 2012 election, though, all voters will be able to vote for all candidates.

The shaded areas below correspond to Brown County Commissioner districts. All voters vote for all commissioner seats, no matter the precinct or district they live in. But a commissioner must live in his or her district. The commissioner seats up for election this year are districts 1 and 3.

The letters and numbers on this map correspond to precincts. (Examples: J1 = Jackson 1; H2 = Hamblen 2; W3 = Washington 3; VB1 = Van Buren 1). See opposite page for voting locations for each precinct.

BROWN COUNTY COMMISSIONER DIST. 1

BROWN COUNTY COMMISSIONER DIST. 3

BROWN COUNTY COMMISSIONER DIST. 2

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

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Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

(Continued from page 5) and that means jobs to our citizens.

We chose to live in one of the most beautiful places. It’s a little out of the way, but if we can bring some jobs to Brown County so our citizens can work here, not have to drive to neighboring counties or beyond, we need to do this.

Jerry L. PiĴman (R) 1. 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 PITTMAN established Pittman Oil & Gas in 1977, and I 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. As commissioner, my first priority would be to ensure that it never becomes a tax burden for the taxpayers of this county. I have a completely open mind to the possibilities. This gift to the county was well-intentioned and a sincere gift. I applaud the current commissioners for accepting it, even though there was little time to consider it. This property has intrinsic value. It could become an asset, producing income for the county as well as a wonderful facility for our citizens. However, it could also become a severe burden for us. There are many fixed costs to owning such a facility, and it would take several million dollars to reconfigure it to useful purposes.

The only way to finance such reconfiguration would be through an infusion of private capital and from a public-private partnership. The minimum outcome for this property would be to replace the lost tax revenue that resulted from the sock factory leaving. I am glad that we have some very knowledgeable and capable people working to develop a business plan. I will be very sensitive to the people of Brown County and will proceed only on a sound business plan. I would not rule out any option, including the sale of this asset, if it is in the best interest of the county.

3. The most important lesson learned is that Brown County needs a cohesive, coordinated approach to economic development. Emergency services will always be a challenge for us, due to funding and the nature of our roads and terrain. I think we have learned that we need to pace development with infrastructure. Large developments need sprinkler systems, sewer service and adequate roads. I think our firefighters, police officers and emergency medical people do a great job considering the resources with which they have to work. The way for a higher level of service is through additional funding.

4. Economic development should be at the top of our list. With the loss of the Little Nashville Opry, For Bare Feet and the current depressed state of the economy in general, we face a great challenge. The current Economic Development Commission needs to be scrapped and start over. Little meaningful results have been accomplished for the dollars spent in recent years. The current efforts for economic development in this county are fractured and ineffective. In the past, goals have been set that are mutually

exclusive. We need to decide what Brown County does best. Everything needs to be brought under the EDC and its efforts redirected to specific goals that are attainable in our county.

Joe Wray (R) Before I begin, I want to thank the League of Women Voters of Brown County for giving me this opportunity to express my views on a few issues.

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 WRAY for 2012. Prior to this, I served as the executive director of sales for Family Health 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. Brown County has been given either a great gift or a millstone around our neck, depending upon the plan of action that’s taken. If the commissioners and council commit to this project and have a viable business plan, this can become a great example for other rural counties in the state for a private/public partnership. This endeavor has the potential of being the start of a change in our economic stagnation that has been a burden here for too long. That being said, you only get one opportunity to make a good impression. So, every detail must be examined and covered so that the chance of success is far greater than the chance of failure. The public must buy into the plan too! Without the support of the public, it will make success that much harder to achieve. Information and communication will have to be clear and frequent. If this type of commitment is not established at the very beginning, then this can become the millstone around our neck.

3. Infrastructure! Infrastructure! Infrastructure!

As the old saying goes in real estate: Location, location, location; infrastructure has to be a top priority for our county. Lack of sufficient water pressure was and is a continuing problem that has to be addressed and must be solved. God bless every one of our volunteer firefighters and their departments! They continue to do so much with so very little in terms of having adequate water flow and pressure in crises like this. Is it time for our county to examine having a full- time fire department along with our volunteers? Can we afford this? Does having a full-time fire department help lower the costs of insurance for home owners and businesses?

4. Without a renewed and deep commitment to economic development, we will surely continue on this economic decline! If you don’t believe that, then stop in at one of our local establishments and ask them if they are seeing an increase in their business.

I’m sure there are some who have been flourishing, but not for the vast majority. As I said earlier, the infrastructure must be in place, not just for our existing residents, but to allow for growth as well. While we have a beautiful county to live in, are we putting our best foot forward in attracting businesses to come and be a part of our community? Have we made it too cost-prohibitive for entrepreneurs to even consider Brown County? Think what we have lost over the past few years: The sock factory, Little Nashville Opry, Ski World, Brown County Playhouse (though

it is starting to book acts again)! And I’m sure I’m missing some others. The engine to being a vibrant and successful community is having a proactive economic development commission with a sound plan.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

We must be willing to explore any new idea.

COUNTY COUNCIL AT-LARGE (THREE PEOPLE WILL BE ELECTED)

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

2. How would you plan to budget for ongoing maintenance of the sock factory property while the plan for its use is being developed?

3. Many Brown County government offices have outgrown space. Have you thought of cost effective solutions for this problem?

David Rudd (D) 1. I am a current member of Brown County Council, a position I have held for the past 15 years.

Because of this experience, I have a very good working knowledge of the running of county government. I am also a local business owner.

2. The budget for the sock factory will be paid from the county general fund until the RUDD commissioners and council have a final plan of action for the future of the sock factory.

3. The county is currently in the process of

reconstructing the offices in the existing building.

Also, the sock factory could be a possible part of the solution to this problem. Studies are currently being done to locate the biggest problem areas and to find the most cost-effective solutions.

Cindy Steele (D) 1. I served as a county council member for a four-year term with one year as president. I run a publishing business that produces Our Brown County and INto Art magazines from my home in Helmsburg.

My job requires good communication skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadline/ financial pressures. I STEELE operate on a tiny budget and constantly look for less expensive solutions to problems. 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. There are a few county-related entities paying rent to non-government facilities that might be able to use the sock factory buildings instead. The rent could help offset the maintenance costs. Some businesses might also be interested in renting office spaces or some portion of the facility.

Indiana University leaders appear to be eager to provide us with expertise in developing a plan and funding potential projects. If they are willing, we

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For Brown County Commissioner

Paid for by Jerry Pittman for Brown County Commissioner

PAGE 8 (Continued from page 7) should use their resources to analyze all the challenges involved along the way. Maybe they can offer some creative solutions to the maintenance issue.

3. Have “many” or just some offices outgrown space, and what do those offices actually need? Is the need for storage? The number of employees hasn’t really gone up much over the years. So, do departments need more work space, better use of space, or maybe some shared space options? You can’t have cost-effective solutions without fully identifying needs. If a department has a space problem preventing them from doing work, then the issue should be addressed in the budget process.

Janet Vanderdussen (D) No response.

Diana McDonald Biddle (R) 1. Previously served on various county boards including: 2001-2004 County Council, Emergency Management, Solid Waste, Extension, Brown County Board of Realtors and others.

I am currently employed as the store manager in our family business, McDonald’s Shopworth in Bean Blossom, a family business since 1891. I am involved in various aspects of budget, payroll, purchasing, maintenance, etc.

Also, I am presently serving on the board of directors for the Brown County Historical Society; as Brown County historian for the Indiana Historical Society; and as Brown County genealogist and state publications chair for the Indiana Genealogical Society. In addition, I provide social media marketing and web design services for several groups.

2. Budgeting for the sock factory property needs to include various partnerships between public, private and non-profit entities. A mixeduse approach to provide various combinations of sustainable incomes for the property represents the best way to spread out the financial responsibilities for this large, multi-use property.

3. Lack of office space has long been a problem for Brown County. The county also lacks property to make significant expansions to current county government offices. While there is some space to eventually expand the courthouse, the annex building has little room to expand.

One problem with all county offices is the required long-term storage of official documents.

Investing in digital archiving services is a good way to reduce the square footage necessary for paper document storage, thereby freeing up needed office space. In addition to digital archiving, there are many options for office space, storage, etc., available at the sock factory property, eliminating the need to rent non-countyowned facilities.

David L. Critser (R) 1. Have been an independent business owner for over 40 years. Member of the Brown Co. Council for 15 years.

2. $50,000 is already budgeted for 2012. When a cost analysis of utilities and maintenance is received, we will set a budget for 2013.

3. I hope we can move some offices to CRITSER the Tim Magnuson complex. This question is more for the commissioners to decide on.

Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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

2. What improvements or changes would you make in the recorder’s office?

3. Are documents available to the public online through the county website? If not, would you favor that?

Sandy Seitz Cain (D) 1. I am currently serving my first term as your county recorder, with previous recorder experience 1993-2000. Having served in county government for 23 years, I feel that my experience and knowledge of county government serves the office well. I have earned 31 credit hours CAIN of continuing education in my first term.

I’m a member of the Indiana Recorders Association, the Association of Indiana Counties and the Commission on Public Records.

2. As recorder in my first term, I have put real estate indexes online from July 1988 to the present; started the Property Fraud Alert System; indexed all surveys by section, township and range; and increased convenience for the public by accepting debit and credit cards.

In my second term, I plan to start backscanning and indexing back to 1960 and continuing with archive viewers and scanning all the way back to 1873 (when a courthouse fire destroyed everything in the recorder’s office). In doing this process it will provide all documents to be on computer with a backup copy daily, and also a filmed copy kept in temperature-controlled storage outside of Indiana. I will continue to be devoted to maintaining and preserving the records of Brown County.

3. The indexes of documents back to July 1988 are available through the county website, and also through the recorder’s site at www. uslandrecords.com at no cost to the public.

(However, the images of the documents are not available online at this time.) Until we can protect the safety and privacy of the recorder’s office and the citizens of Brown County, I don’t feel comfortable putting the images on the Internet.

Larry L. Gardner (R) 1. Twenty-five years’ management and supervisor experience: Elected chairman of the Jackson Township advisory board for the trustee; three years as deputy trustee of Jackson Township; vice president of Economic Development Commission for two terms.

2. I will bring a professional atmoGARDNER sphere to the recorder’s office.

3. The information is available, not the document itself. Some counties are putting the documents online and are set up to take credit cards to pay for copies. All counties may have to adopt this policy in the future.

Darin ‘Catfish’ PlaĴer (R) 1. I have over 20 years of business and corporate work experience in the fields of technology, manufacturing, retail and management. I have started and successfully run my own businesses, supervised park and rec programs, presided as leader of a statewide organization, participated in multiple community PLATTER fundraising activities and continue to remain active in the community.

2. The recorder’s office needs to be fiscally responsible in its operations. This means making sure we get the best services for the best price and passing on that savings to the taxpayer by keeping fees for services low. I have extensive experience dealing with vendors and service companies with a proven track record of being tough in order to get the most competitive and cost-effective performance. I will utilize these skills to make the recorder’s office effective and efficient for all Brown County citizens.

3. There is an index of documents available online dating back to 1960. These don’t include images. Any move in a direction to make all of the information online will cost money. I would look for ways to make existing records as easy to attain as possible while balancing the costs of those services to the taxpayer. The first step would be to improve the existing ability to digitally transmit data that exists in the office. However, we need to very be careful that we don’t abuse the budget and overly burden our taxpaying citizens.

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

2. Are you a licensed surveyor? How important is this for your position?

3. What are the greatest challenges facing the surveyor’s office, and how would you address them?

David K. Harden (D) 1. I started working at Associated Engineering 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 and handle construction stake-outs, inspections for bridges, roads, buildings and various projects. From 1975-1983, I handled HARDEN these same responsibilities for Harden Engineers. I have been associated with the county surveyor’s office since 1983, working with John Rudd 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.

VOTE MAY 8

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

PAGE 9

Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

2. No, I am not a licensed surveyor. It is not a requirement for this position. Numerous counties do not have a licensed county surveyor. I am in business with a licensed surveyor.

3. The greatest challenges that face the surveyor’s office are updating records and providing information for the public. The accuracy of the county GIS mapping system is a task on which we are constantly improving.

Kevin Allen (R) 1. I began my career in 1981 as an assistant project manager for substation design. This included designing seismic-resistant structures and foundations, finite element analysis, structural design and stress analysis. In 1983, I accepted a position as senior designer for bridge, road, watershed analysis, drainage and storm sewer design, architectural and site development projects. Since 1997, I have focused on providing land development services including environmental compliance issues for commercial real estate developers and brokers on projects in 16 eastern states. I’ve also conducted countywide GPS control surveys in Wells, Morgan and Brown counties. I have also established primary and secondary route control surveys for over 300 miles of crosscountry natural gas pipelines in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Florida, Mississippi and Indiana.

2. I meet the qualification requirements for the office of county surveyor as defined in IC 36-2-12 and Article 6, Section 6 of the Indiana Constitution.

IC 36-2-12-2.5 provides for this office to be filled by a non-registered land surveyor.

3. First, there is the need to address drainage issues, water quality and erosion control concerns of this community.

Second, there is the task of informing and educating the public as to what the office of county surveyor can and should do for this community.

Third, there is challenge always finding ways of providing the statutory or required services to this community for the lowest possible cost. These would be positive steps toward improving service to the public as well as keeping Brown County a natural wonder.

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

2. Do you have any new or innovative ways to dispose of sheriff sale properties?

3. How well do you feel the current system of tax statements is serving the public?

Barbara Melton (D) 1. My qualifications are simple ones: I am a United States citizen, I am over 18 years of age and I am a registered voter in Brown County.

I graduated from Brown County High School a few years ago.

This was the home of my grandparents and it is the home of my children and grandchildren. I have a lot of time invested and therefore MELTON want to continue to live here and be involved in the local community and the local government. I have worked in county government over four years in a couple different offices. I love working in local government.

I have a very diverse background that includes an associate degree. I took several of my classes locally at the CRC. If you see me out somewhere, ask me why I want to be the next treasurer of Brown County. I would appreciate your vote.

2. At this time I can think of nothing “new” or innovative to add to our current process. Once elected, I promise to learn more and be better able to answer a question like this.

I also believe that sometimes “new” doesn’t mean better. I am a big supporter of the K.I.S.S. formula: Keep it simple ...

3. To answer this question in 150 words is pretty hard, so ask me in public sometime. When elected, I would explore every avenue there is to keep the entire tax collection process here in Brown County. Twice a year, obviously more help would be needed to accomplish this. It would be my desire to pay local help and not outsource if at all possible.

I would also look into offering to county employees the ability to pay their taxes through equal monthly payments with payroll deduction.

Mary 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 perform. I already have SMITH 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. The treasurer’s office, unfortunately, has no part in the decision of what happens to properties eligible for or sold at a sheriff sale. In the Indiana General Assembly, the idea of county treasurers taking over the task of dealing with sheriff sales has been discussed. It was, however, determined that since this would entail the removal of people from their homes, that was not a power that a county treasurer should have. The county treasurer, along with the county auditor, handle property tax sale procedures — which result from unpaid property taxes, not properties going into mortgage foreclosure, the result from that being a sheriff sale.

3. The system of tax statements is, for the most part, mandated by the state. Currently, the mailing consists of two sheets of paper, the first being the actual bill and the second being the TS-1A form which lists assessed values, exemptions, information regarding tax caps, and a table with the breakdown of the gross property tax distribution. There has been confusion among taxpayers over this form. County treasurers can make some changes to it if the change is approved by state officials, but nothing that would change the form overall. Statements for both May and November installments are mailed at the same time, usually in April. While this does put the responsibility on the taxpayer to remember to pay their November bill that was mailed six months prior, it is the most cost-effective plan for Brown County. If elected treasurer, I do plan to make sure that there is a reminder put in the newspaper closer to the Nov. 10 due date.

JUDGE OF THE 88TH CIRCUIT COURT — BROWN 1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. What is the most pressing need of the Brown County judicial system at this time?

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 STEWART practice of law handling general civil litigation; Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis; bachelor’s degree from Butler University.

2. A pressing, concrete need is to upgrade the courthouse, both the physical structure and the available technology. Facility needs include improving our jury room by providing more space, incorporating restrooms and making it wheelchair-accessible. Although a wheelchair-accessible room is available if needed, it is less than ideal. Courthouse security needs to be improved, and a separate entrance is needed for law enforcement and individuals who are in custody. Our technology needs to be updated to include videoconferencing capability. Videoconferencing would allow us to conduct appropriate hearings without all parties appearing in person, reducing time and expense for transporting inmates and providing additional convenience for out-of-town witnesses.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 9 1. What are your qualifications for Congress?

What experience qualifies you?

2. What are your views on lowering the standards in regard to air and water quality?

3. What are your ideas for addressing the broad need for health care in the U.S.?

4. What are your ideas for reducing the debt and deficit in government?

Jonathan George (D) No responses.

John Griffin Miller (D) No responses.

John W. Tilford (D) 1. Although some of the below listed items appear to be accomplishments/duties, closer consideration will indicate the skills required.

Lived in the district without break since 1975 other than two post-9/11 mobilizations with the Army Reserve, one 12-month to Washington, D.C., and one 18-month to the TILFORD National Ground Intelligence Center, Va. I did not move back to Indiana to run for Congress. Polly

(Continued on page 10)

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

PAGE 10

Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

(Continued from page 9) and I live here. We raised our kids here. Her parents live here. (Mine are deceased.)

I saw men die in combat in Vietnam. When working for the Defense Intelligence Agency as a senior military intelligence analyst, I saw an executive branch rush to war in Iraq and put pressure on the intelligence community to come up with justification after the decision was already made — by men who avoided service in Vietnam, I might add. (I briefed the senior intelligence officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon that our job was not done in Afghanistan in 2002, that the Taliban would resurge and we would have greater losses when we were required to return.) There are not enough representatives in Congress with similar military backgrounds to assure we do not send young men and women into combat without accurately weighing the benefit, if any, to the national interests of the United States. I have a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from National Defense Intelligence College, Washington, D.C. Most of the recommendations of my master’s thesis were adopted by the Defense Intelligence Agency.

I designed and helped implement the Internal Revenue Service taxpayer service organization for the entire state of Indiana. I have been both a management analyst and organizational analyst for the IRS and for the Department of the Navy. I can, and have, increased efficiency and effectiveness in two federal agencies as a civilian and the National Ground Intelligence Center as a mobilized Army reservist. I was on two national level task forces as a civilian, one for the Navy and one for the IRS. Bachelor’s from Indiana University in education, general science major, chemistry minor. Additional 42 semester hours of graduate work separate from and before (earlier mentioned) master’s in strategic intelligence. I have taught in a public school.

I have personally helped, face-to-face, thousands

of 9th District citizens with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefit claims, appeals of improper denials; gone to personal hearings with them; filed appeals with the Board of Veterans Appeals in Washington, D.C., for them; and won a case for a disabled veteran before the United States Court of Appeals of veterans claims, also in D.C. I took the Monroe County veterans service office from near last in productivity in Indiana to third place. (First and second place were full-time offices. Ours was half-time.)

Approximately half of these claimants were women — most of those surviving spouses of veterans who died service-connected deaths or of deceased wartime veterans. Others were women veterans. I assisted the first woman veteran in the district to file for service-connected disability from her service in the first Gulf War. Negotiated bi-weekly for veterans column in the Bloomington Herald-Times, which has run without break since 2004. Graduate of the Navy negotiations course, Burlington, Vt. Negotiated three union contracts. Service officer for both American Legion Post 18 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 604.

As word spread regarding my assistance with veterans issues, others have requested and received my assistance with Social Security and Social Security disability applications, military retirement, CHAMPVA, Tricare and Tricare for Life, application for federal and state employment, student loans and health insurance.

I have written draft House resolutions addressing needed legislation, emailed, USPS and hand-carried to members of the U.S. House. But I’m not a big donor or high status politician. Todd Young refused to introduce an HR for Space A (military aircraft) flight eligibility for 100 percent service-connected disabled veterans, for example. It would cost nothing.

Deacon and Sunday school teacher for New Unionville Baptist Church.

Lobbied — in person — Military Officers As-

sociation of America, Reserve Officers Association, U.S. senators and U.S. representatives in Washington, D.C., for repeal of full offset between Survivors Benefit Plan (DoD) benefits and Dependency Indemnity Compensation (V.A.) benefits. Partial relief granted in 2009 to approximately 55,000 widows of veterans who died of service-connected causes.

Achieving full relief requires additional congressional action.

Coordinated Girl Scout cookie sale for Monroe County for eight years. Signed for a third of a million dollars’ worth of cookies and distributed accurately to all troop leaders each year.

Adjunct instructor in basic college mathematics at Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington campus, for five years. Many of my former students have gone on to professional positions.

I founded and was the only president/CEO for Hoosier Honor Flight Inc. We flew 449 WWII and Korean War veterans and their helpers to Washington, D.C., to see their national war memorials at no cost to the veterans. It was the right thing to do. HHF suspended operations when we ran out of applications in 2010.

Joined MENSA in 1996. Quit paying dues when the organization of the world’s smartest people could not get my magazine subscription straight and wanted to conduct their next meeting in a “clothing optional” spa. The lowest my I.Q. was ever measured was 130, the highest 160.

2. Never! If anything, raise them! Germany — the economic engine of Europe — has much more stringent standards than does the United States.

3. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act did not go far enough. I personally benefit from “socialized medicine” at the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Indianapolis and the V.A. clinic in Bloomington. I have had several surgeries and other procedures done at the medical center.

The care I have received could not have been better.

Over 70 percent of all V.A. hospitals are in partner-

ship with medical schools. Internationally-known faculty members of the I.U. School of Medicine have provided their opinions of the best course of treatment for patient John W. Tilford — and they had no idea of my rank or years of service. Don’t think the United States government cannot run a good medical program. The government is doing it right now through the V.A., and it’s a potential model for a national health care system. Lack of such a system burdens the United States economically and handicaps U.S. employers in international competition.

Over $75 billion is spent for emergency room treatment for uninsured patients annually. This results in an estimated additional $1,000 in health insurance costs annually to each middle class family. The $4,000 ER bill for the uninsured child with a 104degree temperature could have been a $50 bill if the child could have been taken to a doctor a week earlier and provided some antibiotics. I’ve seen it, and so have you. The United States stands 15th among industrialized countries in terms of life expectancy lost due to problems in health care (trailing such countries as Greece, Spain, Ireland and South Korea) but we spend far and away the most in terms of percentage of GDP: 16 percent versus No. 2 Canada at 10.1 percent. The health care system we have now is among the least effective in terms of benefit for the cost on the planet — probably THE least effective.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was a blended approach which included existing health insurance providers as a compromise, a carrot to big business and their Republican friends. It will work if given a chance (which it probably won’t be), but not as efficiently or as effectively as an actual national health care system similar to that of the United Kingdom. Polly and I once overheard a conversation between two ladies at the next table in an English restaurant. One was complaining to the other that her son would have to wait a year for a liver transplant. I know of men and women in the 9th District who will NEVER get a needed organ transplant and will die

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

Brown County Primary Election Guide Wednesday, April 11, 2012

because of it. Also consider that nothing prevented the British mother from paying for quicker surgery for her son through a parallel, for-profit medical system. Those who can afford expensive health care can and will still get it. By the way, Newt Gingrich in the mid-1990s supported fees for those who did not voluntarily obtain national health insurance. I guess he forgot.

4. More IRS collection of already assessed corporate and individual income taxes. Cutting the IRS budget is — to put it politely — counterproductive.

I was an IRS revenue officer. Any revenue officer “worth his salt” collects many times his or her salary every year. Assessed taxes are agreed to, on the books, ready to collect. The U.S. loses billions every year in uncollected taxes.

The Navy really does not need additional nuclear aircraft carriers. Honest. The Air Force does not need any more B-2s. The Cold War is over. The conflicts we face now are primarily ground, intelligence-driven and conducted in limited strikes. Rely more on operational reserve forces. They are MUCH cheaper. Ask the Israelis.

No more leaving our forces in place after military engagements. That wastes hundreds of billions of dollars and thousands of lives. It invites atrocities, be they Mai Lai or Kandahar. If you have to strike, do it quickly and decisively and get out. You can’t invade, kick in doors and force a population to be “free.” (See the second paragraph after No. 1 above.)

Jon Huntsman’s idea was right: Break up the “too big to fail” financial institutions. We took similar action over a hundred years ago regarding trusts and monopolies. I’m all for capitalism, but only as regulated to protect the interests of both the citizens and the nation. Financial institutions make better decisions if they bear the risk.

Prosecute fraud in entitlement programs. “Aid and Attendance” is a national scam in V.A. benefits.

I’ve been threatened with civil suits and taken harassment telephone calls because of my public stand on this issue. Medicare and Medicaid are commonly tapped for “easy money” by corrupt physicians, “patients” and clinics. (To be honest — and I am drawing Social Security and am covered by Medicare — these programs are basically sound BUT do need some adjustments to remain so. Remember, we did this before and the world did not end. That’s why my full entitlement age is 66 and some months and not 65. Big deal.)

Immediately repeal the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy which were passed during a time of budget surplus and originally scheduled to expire in 2010.

Counter-intuitively, spend money. Spend money on things that are likely to pay off in the long term, such as education, communications and transportation. Think FDR contrasted with Hoover. Think of the Marshall Plan which created customer Europe.

Think of the WWII G.I. Bill for education which created the middle class we know today and paid back many hundreds of times the initial cost in income tax, national productivity and quality of life. Investing can, if done wisely, create jobs which will “raise all boats” much better than G.O.P. “trickle down” economics ever did. Don’t, under any circumstances, go for the “constitutional amendment for a balanced budget”: 1) There will always be a way around it, and 2) if it was “airtight,” we would lose the flexibility to deal quickly with national crises. Better to elect representatives with some sense — not campaigning to be reelected is a good first step.

While you’re at it, elect a Congressman who’s a former federal management analyst and organizational analyst whose duty it was to make federal agencies more efficient and effective. I would just love to chair hearings with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration and Department of Defense.

Robert Winningham (D) 1. Creating jobs is my passion. The economy remains the main issue for voters in the 2012 election. My work as the staff assistant for community development for Congressman Lee Hamilton, and

the work I have done as a certified economic developer, have given me the skills to lead the 9th District in creating jobs for Hoosiers.

2. I believe that our nation must have a balanced approach when addressing our energy needs against negative effects such as air and water pollution. None of us want to drink foul WINNINGHAM water or breathe contaminated air. I believe that we need to take a science-based approach to these issues and, therefore, would not favor arbitrarily lowering standards simply for the sake of money.

We have the capacity to innovate and bring forth new technologies, which will also help spur job creation. We have seen in the auto industry that every time standards for fuel efficiency were raised, the industry stepped up to the plate and delivered.

As a result, our air is cleaner, our vehicles are more efficient and the American auto industry has gained market share against foreign competitors.

I would like to see a similar transformation in the energy sector and believe we need to ensure that we put all options on the table when addressing our energy needs. Our nation has the ability to be the leader in the development of green technologies.

We need to make that ability a reality and ensure that in addition to the use of more traditional energy sources, we diversify our energy system. Our national security, as well as our future generations, depend on addressing this issue. The EPA standards, while not always convenient, ensure that our children and families will be healthier. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce.

3. Access to health care remains a major issue for our country. It is not acceptable that over 50 million United States citizens lack health care coverage, or that the cost of that system remains higher than any other industrialized nation. Health care is a right and not a privilege. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce; therefore, I see health care as a critical piece of national and economic security.

Over the past two years, we have emerged from a divisive debate about the structure of our health care system, culminating in the passage of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act. This measure will not be fully implemented until 2018, yet continues to polarize many Americans.

The act provides significant changes to our health care system and begins to address health care inequities in our country. In the 9th District alone, since the passage of the act, 5,200 young adults now have health insurance as a result of the provision permitting parents to retain coverage for the children until age 26. The threat of health care coverage rescissions has been eliminated for more than 520,000 residents. Over 10,700 seniors have saved $7 million in drug costs. More importantly, health insurers are barred from denying children insurance on the basis of pre-existing conditions like diabetes, heart disease or cancer. Equally important are the changes not yet realized. For example, in 2014, it will be illegal to charge women more than men for the same health care coverage.

It is incomprehensible that some, like Congressman Todd Young, would be willing to take these benefits away, and I would not support any measure to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Instead, I favor a position to keep and perfect it. I recognize that broader reforms will be required as we evaluate the effects brought forward in the legislation and address the changing dynamics of our health care system. I would favor having a serious discussion about offering all citizens the same access to care as our Medicare recipients and veterans currently enjoy.

I pledge to continue to fight for affordable care for all Americans. Much in the same manner as my

PAGE 11 mentor, Lee Hamilton, I believe we must continue to educate and build consensus on this issue. Only by continuing the conversation and evaluating the best methods for providing health care will we be able to deliver the high quality care that Americans deserve.

4. The fastest way for our nation to address our deficit is to bring growth back to our economy.

Many candidates promise job creation, but I am the only candidate running for Congress with a proven record of success, and have helped to create more than 5,200 jobs over five years as an economic development director. My plan to bring growth includes investing in education and workforce training; improving our crumbling infrastructure, which is a vital foundation for the production and movement of goods and people; and investing in research which preserves our nation’s technological edge.

By promoting partnerships with business, education and government, we will create an environment for economic success.

We also must bring a fair and balanced approach to deficit reduction, looking at both income and expenditures. Only through shared sacrifice and setting clear priorities to meet our nation’s challenges can we achieve a goal of a balanced budget. I favor allowing the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans to expire as planned, while also reforming our current tax code. As part of the reform, I pledge to close tax loopholes that have distorted our tax system, provide tax relief for the struggling middle class, and work to ensure that everyone supports our country fairly. We must honor the sacrifices of the thousands of men and women who have faithfully served their country by preserving and strengthening the support system to veterans. Finally, I remain committed to preserving Social Security and Medicare, keeping a promise we made to our senior citizens. By crafting a budget that reflects our values, we ensure our collective economic success and fiscal health.

Shelli Yoder (D) 1. I am running for Congress because working families are being left out of the conversation in Washington. My background and experience provide me with unique skills, temperament and understanding of what struggling folks face today. I was born and raised in rural Indiana. I learned about hard work at an early age helping out YODER with our second generation, family-owned gas station. The recession of the early 1980s forced my family to close its doors, and I watched my parents work hard to find other ways to make ends meet. We all pitched in. I worked odd jobs and, to earn scholarships for college, competed in the Miss Indiana pageant. As Miss Indiana, I traveled to all 92 counties advocating for health and education opportunities for Hoosier families. Currently, as associate director of professional development at I.U.’s Kelley School of Business, I help leaders of tomorrow find jobs today. I have worked in nonprofit executive management for over 15 years, and I have a master’s of divinity degree and a master’s of counseling and human services degree. I have a proven track record of turning people’s lives around for the better, building community and assisting those in need of a little extra help getting back on their feet and to help them to keep moving forward.

As a working mom of three young children, I know firsthand the day-to-day challenges facing working families. From the hardships my family experienced growing up, I know how difficult it is for folks who have been thrown out of work by recession and outsourcing to find a new way to make a living. In Congress, I will work overtime to secure federal dollars to bring new, sustainable, good-paying jobs

to the 9th District and will push for retraining so Hoosier workers can remain competitive in the 21st century economy.

2. Affordable electricity is a key to America’s economic recovery and coal is an integral part of Indiana’s economy. We must protect those working in the coal-burning industries for the sacrifices made, as well as our air and water quality. It is well established that burning coal releases carbon dioxide and dangerous pollutants that encourage heart and respiratory illness. The U.S. spends $167 billion in health costs related to U.S. power plant pollution each year.

Yet, Congress’s record of inaction on energy policy is blocking our ability to address these environmental problems in conjunction with our country’s energy challenges. It is time to move beyond the politics of climate change to real progress. We should not lower EPA air and water quality standards because those standards will help us reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the public. Lowering the standards of air and water quality de-incentivizes the coal and utility industry from investing in green energy alternatives, and Hoosiers pay the price via increased health care needs and poorer air and water quality.

3. I support health care reforms passed by Congress over the past several years, including the Affordable Care Act, that improve the access of Americans to health care. In particular, I support provisions that prohibit health insurers from refusing coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

I also support allowing parents to keep their children on their health policies until they turn 26.

And, I support provisions that close the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage for seniors known as the “doughnut hole.” Finally, if elected, I will work to make improvements in existing health care law, including increasing access and lowering costs. In my opinion, passage of a public option is central to further lowering costs and providing maximum access to health care. I believe the U.S. Supreme Court will uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Health Care Act. However, should it not, I will push for increased access through incremental expansion of the Medicare program.

4. Bill Clinton was president the last time the federal budget was balanced. It’s no coincidence that Clinton was also president the last time America experienced strong, sustained economic growth. One of the central lessons from the Clinton years is that a prosperous economy is the principal avenue for deficit reduction. In other words, our deficit reduction strategy must be integrally linked to our economic recovery plan. When Clinton took office, 10 million Americans were unemployed and the country faced record deficits. The Clinton administration’s economic strategy was a balanced approach that included equal parts fiscal discipline, investing in people through education and training, and opening new markets. That’s why the current Republican approach to deficit reduction — epitomized by the Ryan Plan — does not deliver on its promise. The Ryan Plan would lower tax rates for the wealthy and for corporations, while slashing investments in education and job training, ending Medicare as we know it, and shredding the safety net for the poor.

Rather than placing the burden of deficit reduction on the backs of the middle class, I propose a more prudent path. I support a balanced approach that makes economic recovery a key piece of deficit reduction. I support investments into our infrastructure that include transportation, education resources and broadband technology expansions. Such investments lead to more jobs. Job creation will mean a smaller deficit as a broader tax base increases revenues. We must also continue to comb government spending to eliminate wasteful and obsolete spending programs.

In addition, we must cease in this “perpetual war” sensibility.

A full end to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will decrease our defense spending abroad and actually allow us to invest in homeland priorities like public works, research and development, clean energy, and caring for those who deserve the best of our domestic resources: our veterans and their families.

2012 Democratic Primary Candidates

President of the United States BARACK OBAMA

United States Senator JOE DONNELY

Governor JOHN R. GREGG

United States Representative District 9 Vote for one only JONATHAN GEORGE JOHN GRIFFIN MILLER JOHN W. TILFORD ROBERT WINNINGHAM SHELLI YODER

County Treasurer BARBARA MELTON

County Surveyor DAVID K. HARDEN

County Commissioner District 1 DAN L. HUESMAN

County Commissioner District 3 EVELYN KRITZER KENT

County Council At-Large Vote for three only DAVID RUDD CINDY STEELE JANET VAN DER DUSSEN

Judge of the Circuit Court 88th District JUDITH STEWART

County Recorder SANDI SEITZ CAIN Paid for by Brown County Democratic Central Committee, Maxine Bailey, Treasurer