On the trail, Michael stops by senior center
Former Greencastle Mayor Nancy Michael, in the race for District 44 of the Indiana House of Representatives, recently spoke with seniors at the Greencastle Senior Center.
Michael is running as a Democrat hoping to replace current Republican Amos Thomas who has also announced he is running for re-election. Her purpose for being there was to field questions and concerns from the seniors while also letting them know of her current campaign.
"It is OK not to be mayor," Michael said. "Twelve years is a long time."
Michael spoke about her origins in government. The North Putnam graduate began by working in the State Auditors Office as an intern while she attended Indiana University. Michael was asked by former Mayor Mike Harmless to run for mayor near the end of his term.
Following her stint as mayor that recently ended, she started campaigning on December 5, 2007.
"I kept coming back to my love for local government," Michael stated in reference to her post-mayoral days.
Her major platform issues revolve around job security and quality education.
Michael has been substitute teaching at Greencastle Middle School and High School lately.
"It surprised me how teachers are not being provided with enough materials for them to be able to help educate students," Michael said. "My big goal is to be able to help the educators."
Michael said the there is a problem with how property taxes are used to fund schools. The schools in richer communities like Avon and Carmel have more money at their disposal, giving their students more of a chance.
"Once they get to college, all students are expected to have the same background. There is no leniency given because one school didn't have as much money for educational purposes as another," Michael stated.
This led into the next plan she has always been known for locally as mayor but hopes to take to the statehouse -- fairness and consistency.
When it came time for the seniors to ask questions, the only question asked was what Michael could do to help fund senior programs.
Jim Stevens, director of the senior center, stated, "We are in an uncharted area because we don't know where the funds are coming from because the state is trying to pass off senior care to the Federal Government who doesn't want it. If something doesn't change, we're going to have to look at cutting services."
Michael said she thinks it's unfair that the Senior Center must raise nearly $80,000 for their yearly expenses, only being given around $20,000.