Voters in Indiana House District 30 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana House of Representatives. The district includes portions of Howard and Grant counties and includes the city of Kokomo.
Incumbent Rep. Michael Karickhoff (R) will not be seeking reelection.
There are 100 members of the Indiana House of Representatives. Their job is to work alongside the governor and the Indiana State Senate to create laws and set the state budget. Their seats go up for election every two years, and in Indiana there is no limit on the number of terms a representative can serve.
WFYI opened an ongoing voter survey in May, and the most common voting issues were data center policy, affordability, and feeling disempowered.
WFYI contacted each campaign and sent a survey based on voter questions — it asked candidates for their top priorities and their positions on civic health, data centers and affordability. For candidates who did not respond, information was gathered from websites and social media for a "Top priorities" note. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Jack Chance
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Democrat
Website: abetterindiana.org
Age: 30
Occupation: Property Manager at Mercy Housing
Residence: Kokomo
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- (No records)
Chance accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
1. Abolish the IURC and replace with a bipartisan bicameral governing authority run by the General Assembly.
2. Balance power between homeowners and banks and renters and landlords.
3. End public funding of private businesses by ending the School Voucher program as it exists and returning funding to the public instead of allowing taxpayer dollars to end up in the pockets of private business.
Many voters told us they don't think today's politicians listen to their constituents. Why do you think that is, and how would you address the concern?
I completely agree. Many in power vote however their party or donors say. Many don't fear the ballot box because there's been single-party rule in Indiana for nearly three decades.* The solution would be two-fold: 1) hold more townhalls and public meetings to hear what The People need and think and 2) vote and get involved so that politicians don't get too comfortable and still fear the ballot box and work to earn votes of The People.
*Editor's note: Republicans have dominated politics for much of the last 30 years in Indiana, having held majorities in both chambers of the state legislature and the governor's office since 2011, but there are exceptions within the given timeframe. Democrats held the governor's office from 1996 - 2004, and also held a majority in the Indiana House from 1997 - 2004 and from 2007 - 2010.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
I am opposed to Data Center development in Indiana.
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
For food I would work to help ensure Hoosier Farmers are growing food to feed Hoosier Families. In order to help our Hoosier Farmers do that I propose making the first 500 acres of actively farmed land completely TAX FREE with a similar break for farming operations that don't rely on large amounts of acreage.
For housing I propose more government investment into not only building Public Housing for the low income earners, but also into Social Housing for every family. There are numerous families that make too much for Public Housing but cannot afford the current private market. I want to make a housing option for those families.
For healthcare, I'll fight to cap prescription drug prices, rein in hospital and insurance price gouging, and make healthcare more affordable without letting politicians interfere in the relationship between you and your doctor. No one should have to choose between getting the care they need and paying their bills.
Paula Davis
Candidate did not fill out WFYI's survey.
Party: Republican
Website: votepauladavis.com
Age: Not verified
Occupation: Not verified
Residence: Kokomo
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Hoosiers for Quality Education PAC
- Stephens Machine
- Emily Parry
- Indiana Merit Construction PAC of ABC
- Tricia and Chuck Goodrich
Top priorities: On her website, Davis says she prioritizes parental rights; policies that support working families; academic-focused education; the 2nd Amendment; supporting legal immigration; law enforcement; and protecting life at all stages.
