Three candidates campaign for Indiana House District 59 seat
In just under two weeks, 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 what the state’s role should be when it comes to funding local roads.
Lauer says he has reservations about the recent increase in the state gas tax.
Nowlin says the gas tax increase was controversial. He has concerns.
Myers says its important to be financially responsible.
We asked the trio about their thoughts on funding public education.
Lauer says that parents need to have more control over their kids’ education.
Nowlin says that school vouchers have gone too far beyond what they were originally designed for.
Nowlin adds that too much taxpayer money is going to private schools with a “D” or “F” grade.
Myers strongly supports school choice and vouchers.
We asked the candidates about the state sending low-level felons to serve their time in county jails.
Lauer says this arrangement is not beneficial to the county.
Nowlin says there doesn’t appear to be any benefits for taxpayers.
Myers says this wouldn’t be an issue if we fixed the laws on the books.
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.