Candidate profiles
By BILL RICHMOND
City editor
As part of its ongoing coverage of the upcoming election, The News-Gazette in September mailed questionnaires asking candidates in contested local races about their background and where they stand on pertinent issues. It is hoped the candidates' replies will help voters to be more informed when they go to the poles November 4.
State Representative
District 33
Andy Schemenaur
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Elementary school principal and family farmer
Why are you seeking office: Hoosiers in this district have continued to be distressed over their livelihoods and their families' futures; more and more people are losing the means to support themselves and the cost of living has outstretched our incomes. The politicians in Indianapolis are not meeting the needs of the people in East Central Indiana. I have decided to be the person who answers the call to serve the families in HD 33.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: My 16 years as an elected official on the Jay County Council has certainly provided me with a vast amount of working knowledge. I've been a teacher and school administrator for over 20 years and I've run a family farm my entire life. These experiences have all provided me with valuable knowledge in a broad spectrum of areas that will be beneficial in my experiences in the legislature.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues:
Jobs: With a tumultuous economy we are living in, Hoosiers are finding it even harder to find work. We need to bring new jobs to this area, and make sure that these jobs are providing adequate pay and benefits so that our hard working men and women can survive. We need to find workable solutions, such as green technology jobs, and providing tax incentives to businesses that create jobs here. We also need to make sure that small businesses have better options when it comes to providing health insurance to their employees.
Property Taxes: We need to continue to look at our property tax plan, to ensure that it is stable, fair and predictable for years to come. Only when we have fully understood the effects the caps that were enacted last year, should we consider placing them in the Indiana State Constitution.
Education: Our children's futures are at stake. We need to ensure that we are providing all of our Indiana students with the highest quality education possible. As an educator and administrator, I know first hand what still needs to be done, and what we need to continue to do for our schools, so that our children are learning up to their full potential.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: A vote for Andy Schemenaur is a vote cast for your future; Andy Schemenaur symbolizes the new vision for Indiana. I am a candidate who will work for you and listen to your ideas. I know that your ideas matter and that together we can make a difference. I will fight for solutions that will improve the quality of life for all the hardworking people in HD 33.
Bill Davis
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: State Representative
Why are you seeking office: I believe in the quality of life we have in our small rural communities and that we must be diligent in our efforts to make sure that our voices are heard at the state level. As your state representative, I have worked tirelessly to promote East Central Indiana as a great place to work and raise a family. I will continue to work with local leaders and business in the area of job creation and job training for our work force, support education for all ages and keep fighting for the recognition that our small communities play a vital role in Indiana being recognized as a leader.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I have lived and worked both in Jay and Randolph counties and I know the area and the people well. Through my work, I have been involved with city and county officials for over 30 years. I am a small business owner. I meet payroll for 25 employees and provide health insurance and other benefits. I understand the great importance of keeping and promoting the growth of the companies we have while at the same time continuing to seek new employment opportunities. I have the experience, understanding and the fortitude it takes to fight for the residents in District 33 at the State House.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: One of the main issues we face is making property tax relief permanent and I have already supported SJR 1 that will place caps on property taxes in the constitution. We must maintain a strong fiscal condition for our state and we must pass a balanced budget and cap state spending. We must continue to support initiatives that will aid in job creation. Education is key. I support more dollars into the classroom, the Hope Scholarship and continuing education for retraining our work force.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I remain committed as your state representative to work thoughtfully and aggressively on your behalf to bring about positive changes for our families. Changes that encourage growth, provide job opportunities, keep our communities safe, strengthen education, keep taxes low and help our families prosper. The folks in the district know they can reach me anytime. I respond as quickly as possible to questions and to find solutions to individual problems. I believe this is a vitally important part of the job of state representative.
State Representative
District 54
Tom Saunders
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: public relations, Manatron Systems
Why are you seeking office: I believe my experience with both state and local government will be an asset as Indiana looks at a new state budget during tight economic times and at the structure of both state and local government. I also get great satisfaction in helping people who have problems with government.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: Before becoming a state representative I served as a township trustee and then as a county assessor. My experience with local and state government provide a deeper perspective when issues of property tax and government changes are considered. I also know how important it is to help citizens find the way through confusing government policies to find the right person to help with questions and problems.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: More jobs, responsible government budgets and low taxes are tied together and must be addressed if Indiana is to be successful. I will continue my efforts to get state and local government leaders to cooperate when finding and winning new job opportunities. We have seen successes in the opening of three new plants in east central Indiana during the past two years.
The legislature must pass a responsible budget that meets state obligations to economic development, public safety, education and roads. I believe the state should live within its means and pass a budget that is balanced.
The next two years will provide a good chance to review the structure of Indiana government. My approach will be to find ways we can help state and local governments work better together. I have already proposed a plan to make the legislature more accountable for spending and to align legislators more closely with the county or counties they represent.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: A state representative has several duties. Reviewing and voting on bills is the most obvious. An equally important duty is helping citizens who have problems finding the help they need from government offices. My voting record is public and is clear: I support limited government that works. I have opposed every budget that was not balanced and I have supported efforts to improve the performance of government. I have been equally proud of my service to help people solve the problems they have with government, whether our political views matched or not. I hope I will have your support and your vote for state representative on November 4.
Rex Bell
Party affiliation: Libertarian
Occupation: Home builder
Why are you seeking office: Our government has a lot of problems that need to be fixed. It spends too much of our tax money on things it shouldn't be doing in the first place. It interferes way too much in the private affairs of the citizens. It puts taxes in place that allow it to seize people's homes, land, and businesses. Our current legislators are not making any substantial or meaningful efforts to correct any of these problems. I am running for office to raise these issues and to fight to correct them.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I have owned and operated a contracting and home building business for 34 years. I have learned that in order to stay in business, you have to be frugal with your money. I have learned to tell the difference between essential and non-essential, and I have learned that many times you need to adjust the job to fit the budget, instead of trying to adjust the budget to fit the job. I believe that I can inject what I have learned over the years into my decision making process in the legislature, and provide the citizens all of the government we really need, at a price we can afford.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: Two important issues facing District 54, and all of Indiana, are inter-connected. We need jobs, and we need to eliminate property taxes. In order to create jobs, we need to create a business-friendly environment. Whenever the local government wants to entice a new business to locate in the area, it offers a tax abatement. It realizes that property tax is a business killer. We need to eliminate property taxes for all businesses, new and existing, as well as ending property taxes on homes and farms. Any tax that allows the government to seize your home or land can never be made fair. They must be eliminated. A detailed plan to do so can be found at www.electRexBell.com.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I am the only candidate in District 54 who wants to eliminate property taxes. I am also the only candidate in District 54 who wants to reduce government to providing essential services, fund those services through user fees and sales taxes, and let the citizens decide how they want to spend their own money.
County Commissioner
Eastern District
Noel "Bud" Carpenter
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: farmer and Randolph County school bus driver
Why are you seeking office: I will listen and discuss any situation that pertains to our county. I enjoy working with and for the public and I believe I can make a positive difference. I would consider it a pleasure and an honor to serve as the commissioner for the Eastern District of Randolph County.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I know and understand the responsibilities of the county commissioner's office. I know and have traveled every road in the county and I am very well acquainted with the public ditches. I am also a farmer.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: One of the big concerns facing commissioners is the condition of our 839 miles of county roads. $4.5 million goes through the commissioners' office every year for these highways. I know and understand roads and will work with the county superintendent of highways to see that we get the most value for these monies. The condition of most of our 750 miles of county ditches is in bad repair. I will work closely with the county surveyor. Economic development and the need for jobs is also important. I will work with the other commissioners, present business people and the County Economic Development Director to encourage new job opportunities for the citizens of Randolph County. We need a common sense approach on spending and to be frugal during these tough economic times.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I am honest, I enjoy working with the public and I am available at any time.
Tom Binkley
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: employee of the Union City American Legion, Post 158, and A&B Cafe, Winchester
Why are you seeking office: I would like to represent all taxpayers in Randolph County and become their voice in county government. To make the decisions that would help this county grow to include new businesses, farm and industry.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I graduated from Ball State University in 1980 with a BS in broadcasting with a minor in political science. I was a city council member for four years in Union City. During that time, I worked on yearly budgets, employee insurance policies and salaries and made decisions for the clean up of the city park and cemetery by working with IDEM to get the people responsible to pay for the clean up.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: One issue is to try to get industry back into this county and getting people back to work. As a county, we belong to the ECI Economic Development Organization and I see more and more new industry being built in Delaware County. I applaud Tomasco, Indiana for expanding in Winchester instead of moving closer to the factory the supply parts for.
I think we need more support for our county in the ECI to try and bring new industry. With Highway 27 being upgraded, we should use that as a draw for access to Interstate 70 to Dayton and Indianapolis.
Another issue is CAFOs. I've been reading reports in the paper about the committee that is looking at setbacks and manure lagoon rules and regulations. I would like to see what the committee comes up with before I make any decisions, but I would not like to see permits granted from IDEM for CAFOs to expand that can't control the number of head they have now.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I would like to see every taxpayer represented in this county. When we have major decisions to be made such as the courthouse or CAFOs, I think we need to try and ask every taxpayer their opinion, city or rural. Maybe we could get the support of the utility companies or the News-Gazette to help us get a questionnaire to the people by using their bills or the paper. They could answer the questions and turn in their replies and we would be able to involve all the people and not just a few.
Some people know me as the DJ at the A&B Cafe over the past 15 years, but most know me because I've lived in Randolph County all my life. During that time, I've worked in two factories and both have shut down (Union City Body Company being one), I've worked at Fishers Broadway Candy Company which also left the county. I've worked at gas stations and tended bars, all were and are great places of employment. But what I would like to see is industry that would commit to the county long enough for their employees to make a good living and a retirement such as Anchor, Tomasco Ind., Frank Miller Lumber and I'm sure there are others.
With your support, maybe we can do this together. Thank you and please vote on Nov. 4.
County Commissioner
Middle District
Troy Prescott
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: business owner, farmer
Why are you seeking office: I have been fortunate to live in Randolph County my whole life. Being raised on a farm provided me an opportunity to stay in this community and make a living. My wife and I also owned Cheryl's Restaurant in Union City, which I am proud to say was very well supported by the patrons of Randolph County. This is my opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: My business experience as a self-employed individual.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: Livestock CAFOs, county infrastructure (such as roads, bridges and ditches) and economic development.
The livestock issue is a hot topic of this election. I think most people are looking for some assurance that a CAFO will not be built right by their house. If setback rules are put in place this would help alleviate some of the concern. The other issue is the spreading of livestock waste. We need someone within the county to monitor this on a local level, we cannot wait for IDEM to check up on an issue of concern.
Our county roads took a severe beating last winter. I think we are going to need to estabish some main corridors that are heavily traveled and build these up to handle the heavy loads. Because we cannot aford to rebuild all of our roads to heavy specifications, we ned to get the most heavily traveled roads done first. The county ditches are in need of maintenance and repair. I see this firsthand as a farmer, but the ditch system affects everyone from individual houses to cities and towns.
As a founding member of Cardinal Ethanol, I have been to several conferences and seminars. At these events, I have met many elected officials working on economic development projects for their communities. As a farmer, I have the freedom to travel and research new opportunities for Randolph County. I have been fortunate to be a part of investment groups putting together various projects. A couple of things I have figured out is that the people of Randolph County are the ones who need to make things happen here. The other important issue is the power of people working together for a common goal. Theise investment opportunities have shown me that "together we can make things happen."
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: My record as a business person and a public servant on the school board demonstrate my ability to manage assets and make informed decisions.
Larry Dungan
Party affiliation: Democratic
Occupation: associate real estate broker for Century 21
Why are you seeking office: I believe I can bring some trust and integrity to the office of county commissioner while representing all the people of Randolph County.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: The ability to reach a compromise in difficult situations. I am a small business owner used to making difficult decisions.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: The courthouse, finishing what has been started; CAFOs, bringing both sides together to do what's best for all; and the condition of county roads and ditches, finding a way to fund improvements to solve long neglected problems.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: Because I am willing and able to listen to all the people of Randolph County and do what I think is best for everyone. I am honest, fair and just and what to see Randolph County get past its current issues and move towards more growth and prosperity.
County Council At-Large
(vote for three)
Carlton Clevenger
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Retired - vocational agricultural teacher
Why are you seeking office: I feel Randolph County is a great place for people to live and raise their families. I would like to give back to Randolph County. My knowledge and wisdom to help maintain and improve our living conditions.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I graduated from Wayne High School and completed my education with Bachelor and Master's degrees from Purdue University. I taught for 44 years as an agricultural teacher, 4-H leader and FFA advisor. All of these experiences helped me understand the needs of families in our county. After retiring, I was elected to serve as a county council member for several years and I feel I understand many of our local problems.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: By remodeling and adding to the courthouse, we are keeping the judicial system on the public square, thereby bringing all of the offices together which are closely related to the courts. The Randolph County Home should be preserved and I would like to see this building maintained and remodeled into a low to medium income housing facility.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I promise to give my very best to and for the citizens of Randolph County.
Ralph "Bud" Harris
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Retired farmer, school bus driver
Why are you seeking office: We have some projects started that I would like to see through to the finish.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: Advisory board member for 12 years and 12 years on county council.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: Maintaining county roads and managing fuel costs.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I am a taxpayer in Randolph County and I hope to spend the county's money like it was my own.
Helen Snyder
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: tax accounting clerk
Why are you seeking office: I wish to serve the citizens and taxpayers of Randolph County. I believe my experience in county government and business make me qualified to make informed and ethical choices in the capacity of county council.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I have served 16 years in county government as recorder and treasurer. I completed a two-year county government certification program including courses in county budgets and finance, human resource management, leadership development and management, and governing legally and ethically.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: The new property tax rules will put greater emphasis on fiscal affairs, including operational budgets for the county. Funding for county roads and ensuring continued economic development in Randolph County. I will continue to be informed on these and other issues so that I can prioritize and allocate funding within the budget.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I wish to represent all citizens and taxpayers. I will be fiscally responsible. We must live within our means and time. We cannon obligate our taxpayers with the desires of special interests.
Troy Bain
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: general contractor
Why are you seeking office: I enjoy politics, I'm sure folks are tired of the same old thing that happens here in Randolph County. It's time for some fresh new faces.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I am on the Farmland Town Board, I have been self-employed most of my life, so I can see through the bull. I am the single father of a six and a half year old son.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: CAFOs, county ditches, roads and having someone to look our for our small towns.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: If you want the same old stuff, do not vote for me. If you want to see things happening for the good, vote for me and the other Democratic Party members.
Nan Elizabeth Harris
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Front office team Leader for a multi physician clinic at the Family Health
Center of Winchester, St. Vincent Physician Network
Why are you seeking office: I have a strong desire to give back to my community through the actions and responsibilities of our county government. County Council would allow me the opportunity to show my commitment to the residents of Randolph County by being a voice in the decisions that effect how our county uses its resources, budgets appropriately, and continues to grow.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I graduated from WCHS in 1995 and continued my education with the Purdue School of Technology, earning my Associates Degree of applied Sciences in graphic design and minor in economics in May of 1998. I have had numerous job experiences in the past 17 years, store clerk, assistant manager at a retail store, parts inspection, quality control, financial counselor, customer service representative, team leader, small business owner. All of these experiences, including the work ethic and responsibility instilled upon me at an early age is why I feel I am qualified to represent the taxpayers of our county.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues:
1. Diversify the leadership of the county, equal representation of our voters Republican and Democrat, young and old, married and single. I believe this is the first step toward positive change, opportunity and growth for the county and it should start with this election year.
2. Job and Employment Growth and Development for both current employers and
new businesses in the county.
3. Court House - we have been dragging our feet for more than three years trying to determine what should or shouldn't be done with the court house. It is time to move forward quickly and diligently, I think the current legislators have forgotten what should have been there number one concern - the employees working in the poor hazardous condition of the current building.
4. Budgets - As we continue to see our nation in an economic crisis, we need to take a good look at our operating budgets for the next four years.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I will represent young and old citizens alike in the county by proven leadership, responsibility to the tax payers, innovative ideas and positive change.
Steve Taylor
Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: maintenance
Why are you seeking office: I would like to see new ideas and a fresh set of eyes looking at our county.
What experience do you feel qualifies you for the office you are seeking: I am in the second year of my term on the Ridgeville Town Council.
What do you see as the main issues (in order of importance) facing the office you are running for? What is your approach to each of these issues: Budgets, CAFO problems and making sure every resident in the county has a voice in their county government.
Why do you feel a voter should cast a ballot in your favor: I am not looking to make a long term job of county government, we need to have new people every few years so we have new ideas and fresh eyes looking at our problems.
