Miller, Crane take center stage at candidates' forum

Friday, April 22, 2016
Letting the discussion continue after Wednesday's 2016 Primary Candidates' Forum, Republican District 24 State Senate candidates John Crane (left) and Pete Miller talk to Kim Fidler of Greencastle, herself a Democrat candidate for the District 44 state representative seat. (Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN)

Even in a forum devoid of local candidates, Putnam County voters were treated to a spirited discussion Wednesday night between the two men running for State Senate District 24.

Making their way to the DePauw University campus for the 2016 Primary Candidates' Forum, the two Hendricks County Republicans praised the event hosted by WGRE 91.5 FM, the League of Women Voters and the Banner Graphic.

Incumbent Pete Miller and challenger John Crane took turns commenting on the issues tossed at them, largely agreeing on most issues, but taking different approaches to certain matters.

The differences were evident from the opening question when the two men were asked who they support for president in 2016.

Miller took the middle ground, saying he would appreciate the votes of supporters of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, but that he would not declare his personal preference.

"All of them have brought something positive to the race," Miller said.

Crane was more direct, declaring his support for someone he calls "a champion of the Constitution."

"My vote would be for Sen. Ted Cruz," Crane said. "I appreciate why the Trump supporters support him. I think we've gone through a period of weak leadership."

With the spotlight all to themselves at the 2016 Primary Candidates' Forum, challenger John Crane (left) listens to his opponent for the Republican nomination to Senate District 24, incumbent Pete Miller. (Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN)

He added, though, that Trump is too unpredictable.

Predictability and having a clearly defined point of view was a topic that came up again for Crane. Asked about what he would do if a majority of constituents disagreed with his own position on a subject, Crane said leading is sometimes about showing the wisdom to do the unpopular thing.

"We don't live in a pure democracy," Crane said, "so it isn't simply that the majority rules. I have a moral framework that shapes my beliefs."

Miller agreed on this point, saying that communication with constituents is key both before and after a decision is made.

"If I think I'm right, I should take it back to my constituents and say, 'This is why I believe this,'" Miller said, later adding, "We need to look for more opportunities to be interacting with our constituents."

Keeping constituents and local leaders in mind, both men also expressed their overall distaste for state "preemption" laws that take power over certain issues out of the hands of local leaders.

The example cited Wednesday was the law passed by the General Assembly and Gov. Mike Pence that prohibits localities from taxing or restricting the use of plastic bags by grocery stores and other retailers.

Answering first, Miller pointed out that he was one of just a few Republicans who voted against the law.

"We say we're a home rule state," Miller said. "We should allow local governments to make their own laws."

While not directly addressing the plastic bags issue, Crane echoed Miller's overall sentiments.

"It's my opinion that those who are closest to a problem are best equipped to deal with it," Crane said.

Addressing another issue of special concern to local governments, both candidates spoke of the balance to be found between short-term and long-term solutions to infrastructure funding in Indiana.

Crane said money needed to be put toward the roads in the short term, but longer-term solutions must be found, which was basically the legislature's approach this past session.

"Road funding and transportation absolutely have to take a priority," Crane said. "If they don't, we're going pay long term."

Miller acknowledged the frustration some have expressed with the lack of a long-term solution in the 2016 session, but called it prudent to have made a "down payment" while looking into the long-term solutions in study committee.

"We just couldn't get there with the House and Senate this year," Miller said.

Crane rebutted by calling into question the leadership of current leaders, Miller included.

"The challenge is not 'What's the best solution?' It's, 'Do you have the political will to do the best solution?'" Crane said.

"It won't be lack of political will," Miller said in response.

The two seemed to largely be in agreement on the main educational issue facing the state in recent years, in that it was time for ISTEP to go.

On the question of "what's next?" they took a measured approach.

"I think we need some sort of test and some kind of metric is a good thing," Crane said, but added that the problem is tying teacher performance so closely to the result.

Miller agreed.

"You do need some sort of standardized testing," Miller said. "The problem is that we put so much emphasis into this one test. There are so many other things they can measure."

Concluding their evenings with closing statements, the two men again called attention to their main selling points.

For Crane, it is about leadership at the state and district levels. He wants to see stronger leadership and believes he is the man to provide it.

"To me, the single most important issue facing this district is leadership," Crane said.

Miller's selling point is his experience, both in the Statehouse for four years and previously in the administration of former Gov. Mitch Daniels. The incumbent believes the state has a good thing going and wants to continue his work.

"Indiana is truly on the right track," Miller said. "We are the envy of all our neighbors."

Even with one contested race on the county ballot, neither candidate for the Republican nomination for District 3 County Commissioner was in attendance Wednesday.

Incumbent Don Walton had a prior commitment, while challenger Mike Clark was out of state due to a death in the family.