BY SUZANNAH COUCH
For the Daily Journal
For the first time in 14 years, a new face will represent portions of southern Johnson County and Brown County at the statehouse.
State Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, is not running for re-election to the District 65 seat, and is instead running for a spot in the Indiana Senate. Democrat Chris Woods and Republican Chris May, both from Bedford, are vying to replace him. The district covers all of Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
Education, the drug epidemic and infrastructure should be the top three priorities for state lawmakers, Woods said. Woods also will work to make high-speed Internet available throughout the state, he said.
“I believe our economy will have a long-term positive impact if these three areas are effectively addressed,” he said.
Woods believes in expanding early education opportunities, revamping the state’s testing procedures, ensuring transparency in educational funding and requiring that all schools that receive taxpayer money play by the same rules, he said.
He wants to work with health care professionals on rehabilitation and affordable treatment programs, and with law enforcement to develop better drug prevention and educational programs to address drug problems, he said.
And for infrastructure, Woods would develop a long-term plan with the whole state in mind, and ensure District 65 gets a fair share of funding to improve roads and bridges, he said.
“I am a strong believer in giving more power and control to the local governments, giving them the flexibility needed to address specific needs,” he said.
Woods supports Democratic governor candidate John Gregg’s plan to redistribute state funds and allow local communities to apply for that money for projects that are most urgent. Recipients would have low interest rates and control over their own projects without any tax increase for taxpayers, he said.
May said the state should focus on accountability, fiscal responsibility and having a pro-business approach to promote growth and progress in south-central Indiana.
“I will bring those values with me to the Statehouse. I understand the needs of our local communities and will protect our hard-earned tax dollars at the Statehouse,” he said.
For infrastructure, there’s no one correct answer, May said.
“A comprehensive revenue stream should be developed, utilizing a variety of mechanisms while being sensitive to revenue potential, sustainability, business friendliness and ease of implementation,” he said.
And there also isn’t one model for education, and he applauds Indiana’s educational options, such as private school vouchers, that allow families to select the best educational options for their children, he said.
“The goal is to provide students the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their life circumstances or where they choose to receive their education,” May said.
He would advocate for students in District 65 by working to make sure the school funding formula is fair to district schools, he said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Chris May bio” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Hometown: Bedford
Occupation: Sales engineer and small business owner
Political experience: Three-term Lawrence County commissioner
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Residence: Bedford
Occupation: Union pipefitter with Harrell-Fish Inc.
Political experience: None
[sc:pullout-text-end][sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the job” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
State Representative District 65
Represents: All of Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties
Term: 2 years
Duties: Review and approve the state budget, propose and vote on legislation impacting the whole state
Salary: Base salary of $24,140, plus a per diem of $159 a day during the legislative session
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