District 44 State House debate high point of 2016 Candidate Forum

Thursday, October 13, 2016
District 44 State Rep. Jim Baird and Democratic candidate for state representative Kim Fidler spoke on several issues Wednesday at DePauw’s Pulliam Center during the 2016 League of Women Voters candidate forum.
Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON

Candidates vying for several positions of elected public office agreed more than they disagreed Wednesday during the 2016 Candidate Forum inside the Pulliam Media Center at DePauw University.

Sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) and 91.5-WGRE, the forum was designed to provide a voice for candidates and an ear for residents through the use of television and radio for those who live within affected districts.

The debate-style forum, which featured a moderator and three panelists, comprised of opening statements, topical questions from the panel and closing remarks, allowing candidates to express to the masses exactly why they are the better choice over their respective opponents.

Acting as moderator for the evening was Sarah Russell (WGRE) alongside panelists Tiernan Shank (WGRE), Karen Martoglio (LWV) and Nick Wilson (Banner Graphic).

Perhaps the highlight of the event came when current District 44 State Rep. Jim Baird, a Republican, and Democratic candidate for state representative in District 44 Kim Fidler clashed on topics that included stimulating the economy, minimum wage increase, medical marijuana and student loans.

Winning a coin toss before the forum began, Fidler was allowed the first response overall, fielding Shank's first question of: "What should the state government's role be in stimulating the economy?"

Through making technological advances such as the internet more available, Fidler said, she may be able to prevent those affected from settling elsewhere.

"There is an issue in District 44 with access to the internet, so we're going to help those in small, rural communities -- not only individuals but also businesses -- because we do have people moving out of the communities, not only due to those A-F letter grades that are punitive for some school corporations, but also (due to) a lack of internet access," Fidler said

"So I think that it is very important that the legislature work to use the current infrastructure to expand internet access to those rural communities, therefore attracting more businesses, not having our students move away and having the money follow the student so that when the students leave we don't have to close schools and deal with the things that end up hurting the communities," Fidler added.

Baird responded in kind, but focused on another key issue concerning economic growth.

"I think it's extremely important and a very good question because the government doesn't create jobs," Baird said. "But what the government can do is create an environment that allows businesses and entrepreneurship to develop; I think that's the focus we've had during my tenure in the statehouse -- we've reduced corporate income taxes (and) we've reduced individual income taxes. We have tried to create that environment that stimulates those businesses to invest in our communities. And it's really important to have the quality-of-place to stimulate (growth).

Democrat candidate for county coroner Wally Steele (right) explains to the audience and those listening on television and radio why he is the best choice for coroner Wednesday while incumbent Coroner Dave Brown, a Republican, looks on.
Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON

"We really have some features here in District 44," Baird continued, "that are extremely attractive to businesses -- the quality of life that we have, the amount of space we have and the scenic beauty we have is attractive to many as a peaceful way of life -- it's important to have those kinds of features in order to attract those businesses and have them invest in our community."

Following the Baird-Fidler debate were District 24 Republican candidate for State Senate John Crane and Libertarian candidate Kevin Rogers, each agreeing on several matters such as unemployment, legislature concerning business, fixing broken government and brain drain -- the emigration of highly trained people from a particular area.

Crane, a Republican who received overwhelming support from the Putnam County area in defeating State Sen. Pete Miller in the GOP primary, is the favorite to win against his lesser-known counterpart.

Another major race involved in Wednesday's forum was a seat in the United States House of Representatives, of which Republican favorite and current representative Todd Rokita is expected to win. However, Democratic candidate John Dale and Libertarian candidate Steven Mayoras nonetheless debated on issues such as farming and renewable energy.

Other races included those for Superintendent of Public Instruction (Glenda Ritz), county commissioner (Nancy Wells) and county coroner with only the latter of which had two candidates present in incumbent Republican coroner Dave Brown and Democrat coroner candidate Wally Steele.

The 2016 Watson Candidate Forum was aired live on television via Public Access and radio via 91.5-WGRE. Replays of the forum will continue to replay each Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the Public Access channel until Election Day.

Those interested in more information about the LWV should visit lwv.org/local-league/lwv-greencastle.