Candidates respond to LWV questionnaire

County Commissioner District 2

Rick Woodall – Republican

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 2 on the County Commission?

I have lived in this county 51 of the 52 years of my life with two of my three children and four of my five grandchildren also living here along with 90 percent of my family. I have a vested interest in making sure the quality of living and the infrastructure is maintained for years to come. I feel I have the common sense it takes to make the best decisions that benefit the county. The last four years have definitely been a learning experience and I will take that knowledge and hope to expand it into the next four years if elected.

2. What are the two most important challenges facing our county and what do you propose to do to address them?

1. Infrastructure is the biggest by a long shot. Our current road plan is to try to chip and seal at least 60 miles per year and pave 12 miles per year. We have a total of 511 miles of paved roads in our county. The over 200 bridges is the other major concern. The equipment and trucks being used on county roads and bridges these days are growing heavier every year and with a bridge costing between $50,000 and $2,000,000 along with a budget of $1,500,000 per year.

2. Employees: We live in a county that has a negative unemployment rate and trying to attract and keep our current quality employees is an every day struggle.

3. How will you maintain communication with your constituents?

Most people have figured out in the last four years that I work in the south end of town at the feed mill and they will stop by. My home phone (653-3757) is in the phone book but I will say I’m slow at returning calls from that number. I’m more than happy to give out my cell phone (720-2967).

4. As a county commissioner what do you see as your relationship with the heads of county departments?

You have to have a relationship with the department heads because they are your eyes as to what’s going on in the county that we don’t see. I try to stop at their offices as often as I can and they all have my number. I am usually at the Courthouse every week checking on something and talk to the highway department each week.

Steven E. Cash – Democrat

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 2 on the County Commission?

I have the time to do the job, not just attend the meetings but to go out in the county to see what needs done and talk with the constituents for their opinion of what needs done. I have been a leader of organizations throughout the county and could lead this county as commissioner and look outside the box for solutions that will benefit us all.

2. What are the two most important challenges facing our county and what do you propose to do to address them?

Roads are a constant concern but not just the roads but the ditches and the tree limbs over the roads causing problems for farm implements. I will strive to be on the road and watch what is being done and provide guidance where I can. I will also seek training to learn the most efficient methods that can improve our infrastructure for many years to come. I also hope I can get bids done for road repair well in advance rather than in June and hope they can get to it by October. Ambulance service is also a concern where lives are in the balance every time a 911 call goes out. The services we are receiving are not acceptable when it comes down to response time. We need to revisit the current agreement and then do the work needed to find the best solution for Putnam County.

3. How will you maintain communication with your constituents?

First of all I believe that 9 a.m. meetings are very difficult for constituents to attend if they work for a living. I have been a public servant for many years and have always tried to be available and willing to talk to anyone concerning any issue. I may not always have an answer right away but will devote the time needed to find the answer. The other way I plan to maintain communication is to go out and seek opinions from those affected by any of the upcoming issues we may be preparing to address.

4. As a county commissioner what do you see as your relationship with the heads of county departments?

I will strive to be familiar with all county departments. That means the heads, the assistants, the custodial staff, and anyone else who works at the courthouse. They mention they want an annex but I would like to really know who needs more room, what type of space they need, and where it needs to be located. I have been a part of many school renovations and have a good idea how it works.

County Council District 3

Danny Wallace – Republican

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 3 on the County Council?

I have spent the last 30 years in Putnam County serving as a Deputy Sheriff and I am well-known by all residents and familiar with their concerns. With many years of experience, I have also learned how the County operates financially. Combining that knowledge with the concerns of my constituents, I will consider all avenues when making financial decisions on behalf of the county.

2. What are the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county? Would you support a county tax increase to fund infrastructure repair and development?

Infrastructure is important, and a focus on expenses such as insurance, payroll, and equipment, are crucial to opening the Highway’s budget for maintaining bridges. The maintenance of roads is not funded by property tax dollars, but rather gas tax, so encouraging constituents to purchase gas within the county will create a larger budget for road maintenance. The new annex will be the biggest capital project to come and is currently being funded through the Economic Development plan. Using property already owned by the county and the funds already put aside, the county can avoid a bond issue and build a new annex without having to raise tax rates.

3. How will you maintain communication with your constituents?

By making myself available through e-mail, telephone and in-person through community events and outings, I will always be open to discussion.

4. What is the greatest impact a county council member can have on the day-to-day quality of life of a Putnam County resident?

The greatest impact is delegating how my constituents’ income and property taxes are used in making financial decisions. I would ensure that the tax dollars spent are done in a manner that reflects the wants and needs of the tax payers who fund this county.

Matt Cummings – Democrat

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 3 on the County Council?

Over the past nine months on the campaign trail I have made 500+ phone calls, gone door to door meeting people, attended monthly community events, met local business leaders, and have continued to work hard to be seen as a viable candidate for county council. With a graduate background in Urban Studies and Community Development along with extensive professional experience in workforce development, technology, and education, I believe that my skillset in data and financial analysis, grant writing, and being solution focused would greatly serve this county well.

Recently I was out in Fillmore going door-to-door and talking with constituents about their high cost of utilities and how many residents just want to see their roads get paved and maintained. My goal as a candidate is to meet people, listen, empathize, and help find solutions to everyday problems.

2. What are the most pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county? Would you support a county tax increase to fund infrastructure repair and development?

The most pressing issues that I see in our county include the need for road repair, rural broadband internet access, a community center that can provide both quality educational-base daycare and after-school programming for our youth, and more support for K-12 STEM-based initiatives that will equip our youth to be prepared for future high paying jobs.

As the state government continues to allot Putnam County less money, I would ideally like to work alongside fellow council members, commissioners, and educational leaders to develop an infrastructure and education referendum for a future ballot initiative that would address these issues where citizens can ultimately vote on a local stimulus package for our county to ensure growth. I believe that tax increases that are chosen through the will of the ballot would serve people in this community better than council adding an additional layer of taxes.

3. How will you maintain communication with your constituents?

Transparency and communication is core to my campaign and I maintain active communication with my constituents through Facebook, Instagram, attending First Fridays, being at the 4-H fair with a table, attending community events, going to our local candidates forum, and just being a normal active citizen in this community. At the end of the day, County Council members are stewards of tax dollars gained by citizens and need to be accessible to the public through candidate forums, social media, and being active in the community.

4. What is the greatest impact a county council member can have on the day-to-day quality of life of a Putnam County resident?

A person’s life touches the impact of county council every day whether it’s dodging potholes on county roads or having to call 911 for an emergency. I think the greatest impact a council member can have is to take the issues pressing our community and find adequate, cost-effective solutions to these problems. As a leader, my goals would be to promote and build up services where all people can flourish and have access to resources like technology, quality roads, and education to empower their lives to be successful.

Indiana House District 44

Beau Baird – Republican

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 44 in the Indiana House of Representatives?

I believe my background brings a well developed skill set for making non-biased, evidence based, analytical decisions that would be beneficial to the legislative process. I have a BS degree in financial consulting and just finished an International Masters of Management from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Plus, I have also finished my Harvard CORE program and well on my way to a Master of Finance degree from Harvard University. I have served on many local boards and committees and am currently on the Board of Directors of the American Quarter Horse Association. I have a strong work ethic and have the ability to overcome setbacks. I feel I can use these skills to help our district thrive and grow to create a legislative and economic environment that allows every citizen the opportunity to pursue their dreams. People appreciate the opportunity to be successful and provide for themselves.

2. What are the two main issues that are critical to your constituents? How will you address these concerns if elected?

Constituents all across the district want to see an increase in quality of life and less government encroachment on their ability to pursue the American dream. One factor for citizens of House District 44 is having steady, reliable, and affordable access to high-speed internet. There is not a single sector in our communities that this lack of connectivity does not impact. I hope to help resolve this issue for our communities. I have already started discussions simply as a citizen of the district with key stakeholders in the rural broadband sector. It will be critical that state and local government create an ecosystem that will allow all stakeholders to work together in a collaborative effort to resolve this issue. No single entity will be able to resolve this alone.

It is also important to periodically review agency rules to ascertain if they are consistent with the original intent.

3. What specific steps would you take to improve transparency in state government?

I actually think a lot of progress has been made toward Indiana government transparency. The various portals like Indiana Transparency Portal provides access to agency budgets, state contracts and agency performance. The Secretary of State has created a one-stop shop for businesses called InBiz. Governor Holcomb, the State Auditor and State Treasurer also utilize the In.gov website to provide information to citizens about what going on in state government. Indiana does a good job of keeping information current and relevant on the website. Additionally, citizens can watch live real time video of committee meetings and legislative sessions.

4. What suggestions do you have to increase the percentage of Hoosiers who vote?

I believe the emphasis needs to be shifted from simply increasing voter turnout to also focusing on educating voters, particularly non-voters, on the importance of exercising their right to vote. More specifically, voters need to truly understand the value and impact their vote and involvement can have on the country’s growth and development, resolution of various issues that are impacting their way of life and the economic conditions being left for their children and grandchildren. Voter – rather citizen – engagement and involvement with the activities of their government are crucial to the well being of the Republic.

Kimberly Fidler – Democrat

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 44 in the Indiana House of Representatives?

I believe that my experience as a public school teacher at South Putnam High School for 16 years, and my experience as a UniServ Director with the Indiana State Teachers’ Association for the past 12 years have prepared me to know what is best for our public schools in Indiana and how to represent others well. During those 28 years, I have consistently been at the Statehouse during legislative sessions each year to speak to legislators about important issues. I have attended legislative breakfasts to listen to the concerns and issues of local citizens. I problem-solve and work to help people daily. I serve on the Boards of Directors for Spencer Pride and the Putnam Pride Initiative to help our LGBTQ citizens. As a legislator, I will be accountable, accessible and transparent in all that I do.

2. What are the two main issues that are critical to your constituents? How will you address these concerns if elected?

I believe that public education and infrastructure are the two main issues for constituents. The excessive testing and $100 million spent annually on standardized testing in public schools must end. We should use the money for school safety (hiring more school resource officers and counselors). We have a teacher shortage created by the passage of horrible anti-public education bills and a lack of adequate funding. I also believe that infrastructure is a huge concern. We need good roads and bridges, and reliable, affordable rural broadband. We also need to ensure that our sewers are maintained for clean drinking water and that our schools and homes are mold-free. We have been paying more in taxes and receiving fewer services in District 44 because all of our money goes to Indianapolis and there is nobody fighting for a piece of the pie for the people in this district. I will change that!

3. What specific steps would you take to improve transparency in state government?

I will be accessible and look forward to attending public events in all five counties in the district so that people can express their concerns in person. Finally, I give my cell number to anyone who wants it. I do not have a secretary or campaign manager. I answer all calls, texts, and emails myself. I would also like to have a regular column in the newspapers in each of the counties in District 44. I send letters to constituents about my priorities. I plan to continue to send inexpensive letters to update constituents on what his happening at the Statehouse.

4. What suggestions do you have to increase the percentage of Hoosiers who vote?

We must make voting easier rather than more difficult. I would love to see Indiana use technology to create a secure phone app for voting and introduce legislation to automatically register every Hoosier at age 18 who is a citizen of the United States. I take time to speak to high school and college students in classes, when invited by teachers. I had the opportunity in 2016 to talk to all of the third-grade students at Cloverdale Elementary School to stress the importance of voting and to let them know that they can be anything that they want to be.