2018 State Official Candidate Questionnaire

1) Please state your name, office you are seeking, and current position/employment. A: My name is Tera Klutz, and I am running for the office of Indiana Auditor of State. I currently hold the position and was appointed by Governor to fill the vacancy left by Lt. Governor when she was elected to serve as our Lt. Governor in 2016.

2) Please give us some information about your background and why that would enhance your ability to represent citizens of Indiana and specifically, Southwest Indiana. A: As Indiana’s first-ever CPA auditor, I believe I am uniquely qualified to represent the interests of Hoosiers throughout Indiana, including Southwest Indiana, as Indiana’s Chief Financial Officer. In addition to being a CPA, I worked professionally for five years at PriceWaterhouseCoopers auditing corporations, non-profits, and local units of government before becoming the Chief Deputy Auditor of Allen County. Later, I ran for and served as Allen County Auditor, during which time I became involved in the Indiana Auditors’ Association. It was through this organization that I was able to meet and form relationships with County Auditors across Indiana—even some in Southwest Indiana. These relationships have proven invaluable in my position as because we have been able to maintain the open lines of communication our former State Auditor, and Southwest Indiana native, Suzanne Crouch began during her tenure. It is my goal to bring my qualifications, experience, and passion to the office of Indiana Auditor of State and ensure all Hoosiers feel secure knowing their tax dollars are being handled in the most fiscally- responsible way.

3) The I-69 Bridge over the Ohio River is the key to unlocking the final key transportation corridor through Indiana. How will you demonstrate your support of this project? A: The Indiana Auditor of State has no legislative power as deemed by our state constitution. That said, I believe whole-heartedly in the I-69 Bridge project and the potential it brings to Southwest Indiana in the forms of added revenue streams, business development, and an increase in the quality of life for residents.

4) Building the I-69 Bridge will require a funding plan. What will your position be on user fees: (tolls)? A: As I understand, a study is being conducted to determine potential funding solutions, costs, and placement for the bridge project. Currently, that study is underway and no determination has been made. I think the study needs to be seen through completion, evaluated by local and regional lawmakers, and presented to the public for scrutiny before any decision is made either way.

5) In years past, central Indiana was referred to as Indianowhere. Today, Indianapolis is “on the map”, and attracting young residents thanks to deliberate and continued state investment in amenities that are widely credited with transforming the Quality of Place in our state capitol. White River State Park, IUPUI and numerous other “destinations” have had the support of our Statewide elected officials. How can we expect you to support strategic Quality of Place investments similar to Regional Cities for the entire State of Indiana? A: Again, as my position as Indiana’s Chief Financial Officer is constitutionally limited in terms of legislative power. That said, the investments the State of Indiana has made in local communities throughout Indiana aiming to increase Quality of Place have been proving to be wildly successful. For example, Evansville was a recipient of some of the Regional Cities funds, which were invested locally in the new IU-Medical School Building, YMCA, and Signature School Science Center. Since that investment, Evansville has seen an influx of business being conducted in the downtown area—C.H. Robinson relocating it’s headquarters from Newburgh to the Old Integra building is a prime example. They cited that the company, “needed to be in an urban, walkable area.” So while I can’t directly help in this endeavor, I can pledge to continue bringing attention to the successes of these projects and using my position to help elevate their profile.

6) How would you recommend Southwest Indiana increase the effectiveness of collaborating with other officials? A: Southwest Indiana has some of Indiana’s finest representatives, and they do a great job of highlighting the area and communicating their vision to the State during and after legislative session. My recommendation is to continue working hard to invite state and regional officials into the area, and allow them to help take ownership of the projects Southwest Indiana is working to accomplish. That ownership will put them to work for you, and help guarantee that Southwest Indiana remains a legislative and budgetary priority.

7) Now that Indiana enjoys the benefits of digital connectivity, would you consider regionalizing state government offices to better distribute the economic impact of our state government infrastructure? For example, most of Indiana’s state forests are in Southern Indiana so Indiana Department of Natural Resources facilities might be an opportunity. A: I’m all for using Indiana’s tax-dollars in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way possible.

8) What do you consider the top transportation and infrastructure priorities for Southwest Indiana? A: Completing I-69 and the bridge project are clearly core priorities for Southwest Indiana and pose the greatest potential economic benefit of any regional transportation and infrastructure project. However, I know that connecting the EVV regional airport to major hubs and increasing its use is another key component in the success of the area.

9) What else would you like to share about your vision and priorities for the state if you have the opportunity to serve? A: As Indiana Auditor of State, it is my goal to serve Hoosiers faithfully and bring value to the office. Enhancing Indiana’s award-winning transparency portal, modernizing our financial reporting practices, and streamlining the way we purchase technology are all part of my vision for my office. Indiana is a great state whose star only continues to rise—I want to help continue that upward trajectory and solidify Indiana as one of the best places to live and do business in the nation.