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Congressional candidates respond to League of Women Voters questions
U.S. House
Fourth District
Jim Baird – Republican
1. Why are you the best choice to represent the fourth district in the U.S. House of Representatives?
I have always worked to increase job and other opportunities that improve the way of life for people in West Central Indiana.
I am a lifelong resident of the area, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran, farmer and small business owner. I have served in numerous capacities with several civic/community organizations. I earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Purdue University and PhD degree from the University of Kentucky. As an officer in the U.S. Army, I obtained excellent training in leadership skills.
These life experiences, my work as an extension agent, coupled with my service as a county commissioner and an Indiana state representative, eight years, where I served on the Ways and Means, Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation and Environmental Quality standing committees, provide a well rounded background and credentials for serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
2. What issues are you hearing from district residents that you feel are pressing matters for our state and country? How will you address them?
Constituents of Congressional District 4 are concerned about excessive spending, government overreach, citizen safety, substance abuse and the strength of our military.
I will work toward improving government efficiency and curtailing excessive rules and regulations that are an impediment to economic growth and detrimental to the entrepreneurial spirit and companies investing in their business.
We must find appropriate reform measures for our immigration system that secures our borders and prevents drugs and illegal aliens from entering our country and jeopardizing our safety. One aspect of the rehabilitation and recovery process seems to be having mentors that can help these individuals find a successful and productive path for their life following a withdrawal period. Mental health is an important aspect of this recovery process.
We must return our military to full strength. This will serve as a deterrent to aggressor nations that seek to do our country harm.
3. What role should the U.S. have internationally in efforts to address climate change?
NASA recently launched a satellite named ICE, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2). Scientists will be able to use the data from the spacecraft’s advanced laser altimeter to create detailed maps of sea ice thickness in both the Arctic and the Antarctic. We need to share this and other kinds of similar data with our counterparts around the world in order to encourage them to be energy-efficient and reduce the impact of their actions on our environment, particularly our water quality and our air quality. It is also imperative that we protect our soil and its ability to produce food.
4. What should the federal government do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?
Helping to empower parents and local educators to make decisions for the future of our children is paramount. Each state, school district and student have unique needs and the best way to address those needs is by limiting the control of federal government and giving it back to the states.
Tobi Beck – Democrat
1. Why are you the best choice to represent the fourth district in the U.S. House of Representatives?
When I joined the Army, I took an oath to protect and serve my country. I am running for office as an extension of that oath. I am a combat veteran, foster mom, and experienced security and tech professional who understands that it’s time for a new voice in Washington, D.C., focused on lifting up our working families and growing our middle class, standing up for our veterans, and ensuring fairness for all by protecting everyone’s rights. We deserve a representative who listens to Hoosiers. I’ve marched through each of the 16 counties in this district, I’ve been out in the community talking to the people I seek to represent, and I have accepted each and every forum or debate invitation extended to me. I am proud that I have made myself available to voters throughout this district.
2. What issues are you hearing from district residents that you feel are pressing matters for our state and country? How will you address them?
At people’s doors, at festivals, and everywhere I go, I’m hearing that a lot of us have more in common than we realize. We all want healthcare that is affordable and accessible to all, because if you need a doctor, you should be able to see a doctor without going into debt or risking your health. Everyone wants to see an end to hidden campaign contributions and ensure that candidates are beholden to the people, not their donors. Our rural communities deserve access to high-quality and high-speed internet, and our farmers are being hurt by the tariffs. Finally, lasting solutions means putting aside differences in order to address the root of our problems. Together, we can move forward.
3. What role should the U.S. have internationally in efforts to address climate change?
Every nation needs to step up to address this global issue. No single solution is going to be perfect for every situation, and we need to tackle this problem by using alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biofuels, as a piece of the larger climate change puzzle. We have only one planet, and we need to work to ensure we leave a healthy environment for future generations.
4. What should the federal government do to provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-K through grade 12?
I stand for strong, quality education for all. Our children deserve public schools that have solid and stable funding and are able to deliver an exceptional education. We must treat our schools as our infrastructure, and invest in the foundation of education. I would also introduce tax credits for public school teachers, in order to help alleviate the financial burden on our public educators.