Voters in Indiana House District 86 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana House of Representatives. The district covers a portion of north and northwest Marion County including the neighborhoods of Traders Point and Meridian Hills in Indianapolis.
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.
Glenn Bill
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Republican
Website: voteglennbill.com
Age: 58
Occupation: Real Estate Broker, Glenn Bill Group, eXp Realty; Author; National Speaker
Residence: Indianapolis
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Jason Sprunger
- Robert Van Vliet
- April Sasso
- Vimesh Patel
- Glenn J. Bill
Bill accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
My top priorities are affordability, making sure Marion County gets its fair share of state funding, and bringing greater transparency and accountability to government.
With nearly 40 years in real estate, I've seen firsthand how rising property taxes and housing costs affect families, seniors, renters and small businesses. We need meaningful property tax relief and practical solutions that make living and working in Indiana more affordable.
I also believe Marion County deserves its fair share of state resources, especially when it comes to our roads and infrastructure. The people of District 86 pay taxes just like everyone else, and they deserve to see those dollars working for them. We shouldn't have to fight for basic road maintenance while watching other communities receive funding.*
Finally, I believe government needs to operate with greater financial transparency and accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going, how decisions are being made, and whether we're actually getting results.
*Editor’s note: Indianapolis roads are under the jurisdiction of the mayor and the Indianapolis City-County Council.
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 think too many politicians have become more focused on winning than serving. When winning becomes the priority, listening takes a back seat, and we lose sight of the bigger picture.
I've spent my life leading businesses, coaching teams and serving my community. One thing I've learned is that nobody works for you. We work with each other. That's how you build trust, solve problems and accomplish something meaningful.
I've never operated with an "us versus them" mentality, and I don't intend to start now.
If elected, I will represent everyone in District 86, whether they voted for me or not. That means being accessible, listening to different perspectives and being willing to have conversations with people who don't always agree with me.
I believe in being smart, being strategic, and most importantly, standing up for what's right, not simply what's political.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
I support responsible data center development. Technology is moving forward, and Indiana should be positioned to benefit from that growth. But we need to be smart about how we negotiate these projects and what we're asking taxpayers to contribute.
I've spent nearly 40 years negotiating real estate and business transactions. I understand that a good deal has to work for everyone involved, not just the company developing the property.
I don't believe data centers should automatically receive tax incentives simply to encourage development. We need to evaluate each project on its merits, understand its long-term economic benefits, and make sure the companies are paying their fair share of infrastructure, energy and utility costs.
We also need to protect surrounding neighborhoods and make sure local communities have a voice in decisions that affect them.
I'm not against development. I'm for smart development, responsible negotiations, and agreements that produce measurable benefits for Indiana residents.
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
I believe affordability starts with housing, because housing costs affect almost everything else in a family's budget.
After nearly 40 years in real estate, I understand how property taxes affect more than just homeowners. When property taxes increase, those costs often get passed along to renters, businesses, and ultimately consumers through higher rents, prices and operating expenses.
That's why one of my first priorities would be working to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners, rental property owners and businesses, while protecting funding for essential services.
We also need to look at unnecessary regulations that drive up housing costs and encourage more housing options that people can actually afford.
When it comes to healthcare, food and other everyday expenses, I believe we need to examine where government policies, taxes and unnecessary bureaucracy are adding to the cost of living.
Government can't control every price, but it can make better decisions that stop adding to the financial pressure families are already feeling.
My focus is on practical solutions that help people keep more of what they earn and make everyday life more affordable.
Edward DeLaney
Incumbent
Party: Democrat
Website: facebook.com/eddelaney86
Age: Not verified
Occupation: Indiana State Representative, District 86; Retired lawyer
Residence: Indianapolis
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- ActBlue Indiana
- Law PAC of Indiana
- Robert E Schloss
- Indiana Realtors Political Action Committee
- Ann M Moreau
Top priorities: Delaney has worked on issues including the economy, education, reentry and immigration rights. He has sat on a number of committees in the legislature, most recently the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Education. Delaney served under Gov. Evan Bayh in the 1990s as chair of the Indiana Development Finance Authority.
