Jobs
In Indiana, and more specifically West Central Indiana, we are at a moment in time that will prove to be historic. It will either be the point that future generations will identify as the genesis of unparalleled economic growth and innovation, or it will be viewed as a colossal missed opportunity. I prefer the first choice.
Our economic bedrock is manufacturing and agriculture, it always has been and always will be. We will continue to put additional tools in our economic tool bag to attract more businesses to West Central Indiana with those industries in mind. However, we must also start to branch out to other industries and build on our already solid foundation.
By using our local resources, playing to our strengths, matching industry to our current work force, and keeping government intervention to a minimum, we will start an economic boom not seen in this region for decades.
We have a unique blend of motivated and knowledgeable business leaders and citizens eager to grow and improve their neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, regions, and state. We must seize this opportunity and make West Central Indiana an even better place to live and work.
Education
One thing everyone can agree on is how important a quality education truly is. I believe, as a society, we owe our children the best possible education we can deliver to them. But as we all know, one size does not fit all, so the vehicle from which this education is delivered can take on a myriad of different shapes and sizes. The steps Indiana took to reform education in 2011 were a great start to addressing some problems we have in our great state. However, it cannot be where we stop. We must continue to work on improving every day…our future literally depends on it.
Taxes and Budget
Who spends your money better than you? Most likely you did not answer “the government.” While taxes are a necessary evil, they need to be kept in check. Raising taxes during poor economic times like these is not an option. I support the elimination of the “death tax.” Tax relief for individuals and businesses, especially in this economy, are of the utmost importance. An economy operates best when people have money in their pockets and are willing to spend. Indiana has done a good job in recent years of treating the state budget like a household budget, we need to continue to do so.
Family Values
There are a handful of building blocks for success. I believe one of them to be a strong, traditional family unit. Indiana’s future depends on its citizens. We must fight to help encourage Hoosiers to continue to build loving and supportive families.
- I support traditional marriage.
- I am pro-life. Life begins at conception.
- I believe in true religious freedom.
Illegal Immigration
It is very important to distinguish between Illegal Immigration and Legal Immigration. People who have come to this country and state legally are what make America great. But we are a county of laws, and those who have come here illegally are breaking a law and should be dealt with. If they are identified through legal means, they should be punished according to federal law. If the Feds will not do it, then it is up to the state. Illegal immigration is a drain on a state’s economy amongst other things:
- Drain on Education
- Drain on Budget
- Drain on Health Care
Energy and the Environment
I have been an outdoorsman my whole life. And, I know the wonders that mother-nature can display when you look for them. I also realize the benefits she shares with us in the form of the energy and resources that build our cities, power our vehicles, and light our homes. Because of this, the last thing I would want to see happen would be man out-weight the delicate balance we share with the earth. We must continue to grow our economy and society, while respecting our land. One of Indiana’s most plentiful natural resources is coal. Coal powers Indiana and we must continue use our resources.
And most importantly, we must fight the over reach of government to stymie industry with environmental over-regulation.
Gun Rights
- I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
- I believe in our right to bear arms.
- I am a life-long hunter.
- I support the right to carry a concealed handgun.
- I am a member of the NRA