Candidate Questionnaire 6: Funding for Public Pre-school

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 7 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 support state-funded public pre-school with or without the use of vouchers?

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

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "Yes, but I don't like vouchers."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "I support state-funded pre-school because it works! I'm against vouchers."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "Yes, Indiana is one of the only states in the country that fails to publicly fund pre-school. This puts our children behind from the start."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "Absolutely. Early education is key to a good education. I do not believe in vouchers of any kind. Vouchers will lead to families missing out on opportunities for an equal education."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Yes!"

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "I support state-funded public pre-school without vouchers as we currently know them. I am okay if we establish a system of vouchers to be used at any pre-school which is approved and endorsed by the local public school board. I anticipate this may be particularly necessary if we want to jump-start implementation."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "I believe in state-funded public pre-schools but believe the balance should be less on education standards and more encouraging of development of socialization and proper play with other children."

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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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