2018 State Official Candidate Questionnaire

Please state your name, office you are seeking, and current position/employment.

My name is , and I am seeking election for Indiana State Treasurer. I am the current Indiana State Treasurer, and I have served in the office since my election in 2014.

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.

As Treasurer of State and Chief Investment Officer for the State of Indiana, I have a diverse background of experience and public service in every part of the state. I am responsible for the safe management of approximately five to seven billion Hoosier tax dollars on a daily basis. As Treasurer, I serve on thirteen different boards chairing four of them, including the Indiana Bond Bank, the Statewide E-911 Board, the Indiana Education Savings Authority, and the Indiana ABLE Authority. I also serve as the Sole Trustee of the State Police Pension Trust. Prior to becoming State Treasurer, I worked in the office as the Director of TrustINdiana, Indiana’s local government investment pool. During this time, I learned the responsibilities of the Treasurer of State’s office as I traveled the state working closely with local fiscal officials. In addition, I was formerly a Cass County Commissioner, where I served as President on the Board of Commissioners for five years and was named First-Term Commissioner of the Year by the Association of County Commissioners. With this experience in hand, I feel that I am well qualified to represent all citizens of Indiana - including southwest Indiana - due to the extensive work that I have accomplished in my time as an elected official.

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?

As the state’s chief investment officer, I oversee the investment of the Major Moves Trust Fund, The Next Level Indiana Trust Fund, and the newly formed Next Generation Trust Fund. These three pools of money will be a key to further state funding on major transportation projects, including the completion of I-69 and a future I-69 bridge. Good stewardship of these funds is my one of my top priorities as your treasurer of state.

4) Building the I-69 Bridge will require a funding plan. What will your position be on user fees: (tolls)?

I believe this project is critically important and needs to be funded to truly see the benefits of a transportation corridor connecting Canada and Mexico. In my role, the fiduciary management of the state’s infrastructure funds will help ensure funds are available when needed and that they are in the best position to grow through sound, safe investments.

5) In years past, central Indiana was referred to as Indianowhere . Today, 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?

The Indiana Bond Bank plays a key role in helping provide lower interest loans and advances for local government entities that will improve the quality of place in all corners of the state. As the chair of the Indiana Bond Bank board, I will continue to seek innovative solutions and opportunities allowing more qualified entities access to funds through the Indiana Bond Bank, giving more control to the qualified entities to implement projects that are tailored to their unique local and regional needs. I also serve on the board of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), and therefore support the work that IHCDA does in improving quality of place, housing, and the many community improvement efforts they work toward.

6) How would you recommend Southwest Indiana increase the effectiveness of collaborating with other officials?

The Southwest Indiana Chamber has been an effective advocate for your region through your advocacy efforts throughout my first term as Treasurer of State. I appreciate the collaborative efforts and the warm welcome I have always received. Having a presence in the statehouse is important. Maintaining the relationships with our state’s elected leaders is important. Continue excelling at both.

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 so Indiana Department of Natural Resources facilities might be an opportunity.

I am in favor of continuing the discussion on regionalization and will consider these opportunities on a case by case basis, to ensure it provides great government service while being prudent with our tax dollars.

8) What do you consider the top transportation and infrastructure priorities for Southwest Indiana?

The completion of I-69 and the construction of a new I-69 bridge.

9) What else would you like to share about your vision and priorities for the state if you have the opportunity to serve?

It has been my honor to serve Hoosiers as Treasurer of State. Should I be privileged to serve a second term, I will continue to bring a fiscally conservative approach to safekeeping taxpayer dollars. Additionally, I will continue to work to help keep Hoosiers safe, improve local communities, and make it easier Hoosiers to save for their futures.