The Democrat primary for 10th District State Representative is a rematch of the contest in October, when precinct committee members met to fill the vacancy created by the death of Jack Clem.

Three candidates -- Charles Moseley from Portage, Robert Poparad from Burns Harbor and Greg Simms from Center Township -- filed for the seat, and after two rounds of voting, Simms emerged the victor.

Those same three are now squaring off again in the May 6 Democrat primary. The winner will face Republican Kenneth Kaminski in November.

The 10th District includes portions of Chesterton, Porter, Burns Harbor and Liberty Township, as well as portions of Portage, Union and Center townships. In Duneland, the precincts in District 10 are Westchester 4, 5, 10, 11, 16 and 17 and Liberty 1 and 2.

Moseley is a former member of the Portage Township School Board. Poparad, a former member of the Burns Harbor Town Council, is owner of Pinkerton Oil. Simms, who served on the county Board of Zoning Appeals before he became a state legislator, is a Washington Township High School teacher.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions. Their answers are printed as they were submitted.

1. Why should you be elected state representative?

Moseley: “I have the knowledge, experience and integrity to serve the needs and concerns of all the people of the 10th District.”

Poparad: “I have a vast knowledge of government because of my extensive experience at the local level.  I understand how the actions of the state house effect us here in Porter County.  I think I can make an impact for the District at the state level.”

Simms: “I should be re-elected state representative because I have always cared for people and have supported the desire of individuals to become better citizens. Being a state representative allows me to help my constituents, and gives me the opportunity to make our community and state an even better place to live, work, raise a family. I have earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Valparaiso University and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Business from Carroll College. My education and diverse background have allowed me to understand the complexities of society and nourish the initiative spirit in people.”

2. What provisions, if any, of H.E.A. 1001 should the Indiana Legislature revisit in 2009? Why?

Moseley: “The main issue should be the way the tax caps have been put in place. People with very expensive homes may receive a large property tax reduction. People with homes that have assessed values under 150,000.00 may not realize a significant reduction in their property tax. If someone on a fixed income is below the cap their property tax may go up. If we are all going to pay an increase in the sales tax we should all be treated the same when reducing our property tax.”

Poparad: “The entire property tax system is broken and the legislators should step up to the plate and make real changes. It is sinful in this country to lose your house to property taxes.  We should be able to fund education and local governments without the strangle-hold of the state house.”

Simms: “Any provision of HEA 1001 that takes vital funding away from schools, fire departments and police departments must be addressed and corrected. Local governments must be assured that they can provide essential services to their citizens without facing insurmountable financial complications or burdensome debt. Additionally, lawmakers need to study whether the proposed referendum process on school construction projects could potentially rob Indiana’s school children of the best possible education.”

3. Why are you running for state representative?

Moseley: “I intend to work to protect seniors on fixed incomes, improve access to affordable health care, and make sure our police and fire departments have adequate funding to meet the demands for the growing needs of public safety in our communities.”

Poparad: “I feel I have the most experience of all the candidates. I have proven by my track record that I have common sense and a strong voice for what is right for the taxpayers.”

Simms: “I am running for state representative because I feel that I have the energy, passion, experience and education to represent District 10 proudly in Indianapolis. An effective legislator is someone who is willing to compromise, listen and cooperate with others. My background in teaching has prepared me for this leadership role. I have always been eager to listen to the needs and concerns of the people in the district. This includes families, workers, the elderly and the young people trying to make it on meager salaries. My long-term goal is to bring more high paying jobs to the district.”

4. What are the best and worst accomplishments of the Daniels’ administration?

Moseley: “A. None. B. Sold out Northwest Indiana by selling the Toll Road.”

Poparad: “My opinion is that his biggest mistake was taking the toll road money down state when the people up here paid for and continue to pay for the toll road through tolls. His best accomplishment is  that he pushed through the 1% residential tax cap. Hopefully, the state house will keep that in place.”

Simms: “The downfall of the Daniels’ administration is the governor’s trademark of making decisions without considering the will of Hoosier citizens. A prime example of this was his decision to lease our toll road to a foreign company despite the protest from people in the area. Another example is the governor’s refusal to suspend the sales tax on gasoline as fuel prices continue to soar. The continual increases in fuel costs are detrimental to the working men and women of Indiana. The best thing that Daniels’ administration did was sign into law the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP).”

Posted 4/18/2008