District 59 candidates discuss marijuana, abortion, more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In just over a week, area voters will be choosing from a handful of contested races on the ballot. Indiana House District 59 encompasses a large section of Bartholomew County. Voters will be deciding between Republican Ryan Lauer, Democrat Dale Nowlin and Libertarian Clyde Myers.

Lauer, 41, is an engineer in Engine Testing at Cummins. He is married to wife Blair. They have three young children with a fourth on the way. Lauer has a degree in bio-chemistry from Indiana University. Lauer previously served on the Bartholomew County Council, serving as President in 2014.

Nowlin, 61, is an educator with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. He serves as math chair and administrator for both Columbus North High School and Northside Middle School. Married to wife Issabelle for 42 years, they have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Myers, 41, is an information technology manager. He is married with two daughters. Myers has two degrees in the IT field.

We asked the candidates about the need for a hate-crime statute in Indiana.

Lauer says he believes such a statute is an inevitability.

Nowlin says he supports such a statute.

Myers says its important to be wary of unintended consequences.

We asked the trio about their thoughts on legalizing marijuana in Indiana.

Lauer says that that marijuana doesn’t come up much with the voters he has talked to.

Nowlin says that it’s time to consider legalizing marijuana.

Myers says marijuana shouldn’t be illegal in the first place.

We asked the candidates about their thoughts on abortion.

Lauer says that every life is precious.

Nowlin says that abortion should be safe and legal.

Myers says that abortion should be legal.

Early voting has been underway at the Bartholomew County Courthouse. Additional early voting locations open Monday at Donner Center, Flintwood Wesleyan Church and the German American Bank on Jonathan Moore Pike. Election Day is Nov. 6th.