Candidate Questionnaire 3: Public Meetings

In July, The Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education (NEIFPE) contacted all 21 of the candidates running for federal and state offices in NE Indiana to ask them for their views pertaining to education issues. Each was sent a survey of 10 questions. So far 6 have returned the surveys. If and when others respond, those will also be posted. The comments below are unedited and are the words and thoughts of the candidates. NEIFPE shares this information so voters will be able to make informed choices at the polls on November 4.

(NOTE: A copy of the original (blank) questionnaire may be found HERE.)

Question: Do you agree any school receiving state money should hold board meetings open to the public?

(Note: Candidates are listed by district, and by alphabetical order within districts)

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "Without a doubt, let's open the doors and see whats inside! The charter schools in Ohio are now under investigation for changing grades, attendance lies and more."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "Yes, and they should be elected."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "Yes."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "School board meetings should always be open to the public as a forum for parents to voice their opinions or discontent. I have been vocal at several school board meetings and all parents should have that opportunity."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Yes! Meetings should not only be held in public, I believe that all board members should be elected, not appointed."

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "Yes."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "No board meeting should be held in private for any school receiving any form of taxpayer money. This is another level of accountability that needs adhered to for the promotion of education."

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The following candidates did not provide a response the the questions. (Answers from candidate questionnaires will be added to this page as they are returned.)

Candidates for State Representative
Dan Leonard, R-50
Dennis Zent, R-51
Benjamin Smaltz, R-52
Matt Lehman, R-79
Martin Carbaugh, R-81
David Ober, R-82
Christopher Judy, R-83
Bob Morris, R-84
Casey Cox, R-85

Candidates for State Senate
Dennis Kruse, R-14
Liz Brown, R-15
Jim Banks, R-17
Travis Holdman, R-19

Candidates for U.S. Representative
Marlin Stutzman, R-3

Complete Responses

Click the candidate's name below to see their entire questionnaire, including a statement of their vision for the future of education in Indiana. NOTE: Only those candidates who returned a questionnaire are listed.

INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• Charles Odier, candidate for Indiana House District 52
• Phil GiaQuinta, candidate for Indiana House District 80
• Thad Gerardot, candidate for Indiana House District 81
• Mike Wilber, candidate for Indiana House District 82
• Fred Haigh, candidate for Indiana House District 84

INDIANA SENATE

• Jack Morris, candidate for Indiana Senate District 15

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

• Justin Kuhnle, candidate for U.S. Representative Indiana District 3

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