Sandlin
A late Indiana State Senator who represented Johnson County has been honored by the Senate.
Senate Resolution 3 memorializes the late Sen. Jack Sandlin, whose district included portions of White River Township in Johnson County and a majority of Perry Township in Marion County. The long-time public servant, who represented District 36, died suddenly on Sept. 20 at the age of 72.
“I have truly felt Jack’s absence,” said resolution author Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis. “He was a mentor who became a close friend. We worked together frequently on our legislation and occupations outside of the Senate.”
Sandlin was a graduate of Greenwood Community High School and the University of Indianapolis, and earned a master’s in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, later serving as deputy chief of the Indianapolis Police Department and as a member of the Southport Police Department.
Before serving in the Senate, Sandlin served as Perry Township Trustee from November 1997 to December 2006. He was a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council from November 2010 to 2016. Sandlin was elected to the Indiana Senate in 2016, where he served on the standing committees for Corrections and Criminal Law; Environmental Affairs; and Insurance and Financial Institutions.
The role that was most important role to Sandlin was being a family man. His greatest joy was his wife, daughter and grandchildren, a news release from Freeman’s office said. Freeman and Sandlin had served together on the city-county council, and both joined the Senate after being elected in 2016.
“This resolution is to memorialize an admirable man of integrity and grit,” Freeman said. “He fought for what was right and representative of his community. We could all take note of Jack’s leadership and continue to work towards the greater good of our state.
“I am honored to be the one that introduced this resolution to remember a dear friend. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.”
Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis, was selected as Sandlin’s replacement in an October caucus. In a statement, she said she was inspired by the “love and dedication” Sandlin showed for his community and his efforts to make his community, state and country better.
“I hold on to that drive and keep it in mind while serving Senate District 36,” Carrasco said. “I will continue to support efforts and future legislation that supports causes close to Jack and I’s hearts such as veterans affairs, public safety, and support for first responders and law enforcement.
“I am honored to serve Senate District 36 and support this resolution to honor the great man and leader that Jack Sandlin was,” she said.
A copy of the resolution will be given to Sandlin’s widow Lydia, his daughter and his grandchildren.
