Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

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Jim Pittsford, a candidate for State HouseDistrict 46. Jim Pittsford described himself as a third-generation union steamfitter and former union leader who entered the race after being encouraged by a Democratic Party member. He explained that District 46 includes parts of Monroe, Owen, Clay, and Vigo counties. He shared his experience in union leadership, including serving on the executive board and finance committee, and emphasized his belief in being a servant-leader who is open to hearing bad news. He discussed his concerns about the right to work law, its impact on teachers' ability to negotiate working conditions, and his opposition to constitutional carry. He also spoke about the need for tax incentives to attract businesses to small towns to preserve their quality of life. He criticized state government spending, specifically mentioning a helipad for the governor and proposed toll booths on I-70. The conversation also touched on his personal background, including his competitive shooting experience and his family's political diversity.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

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Kerry Forestal, the current Marion County Sheriff, is running for State Senate District 31. Kerry shared his professional background as a former United States Marshal and his experience managing a $150 million budget and collaborating with judges. He discussed his platform, which included addressing medical deserts through a pilot project to pay off medical school tuition for doctors who relocate to underserved areas, fully funding schools, and creating regional mental health facilities instead of using jails for people in crisis. He also criticized the criminalization of homelessness and the expansion of gun access, arguing that law enforcement perspectives were often ignored by the state legislature. Kerry emphasized the need for bipartisan collaboration in the State House and noted that his district includes both Marion and Hamilton counties.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

To Donate to Randy: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/randynovak?refcode=TurnLeft

State Representative Randy Novak from District 9, who serves northern La Porte County and eastern Porter County. Representative Novak discussed his background as a 33-year career firefighter who retired as fire chief, his 11 years on the La Porte County Council before being caucused into the State House in October 2022 to replace Representative Pat Boyd, and his upcoming election for his first full term. They covered his approach to building relationships with colleagues across the aisle, his work on utility costs and data center regulations, concerns about public school funding compared to charter schools, and his successful legislation increasing stipends for volunteer firefighters from $200 to $500 annually. Representative Novak also shared his perspective on current political issues, including his belief that claims of discrimination against white males are "100% BS" and an excuse to maintain the status quo, while expressing frustration with national political developments and their impact on state legislation.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

To donate to Rep. Jackson: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-to-elect-carolyn-b-jackson-1?refcode=TurnLeft

State Representative Carolyn Jackson from District 1 about her experiences in the Indiana State House and current legislative challenges. Representative Jackson discussed her role serving on multiple committees, including natural resources, environmental affairs, and children, family, and human affairs, while also serving as a ranking minority member for the election committee and vice chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus. The conversation covered recent devastating storms in northwest Indiana that caused widespread power outages and tree damage, with Representative Jackson sharing how utility companies struggled to meet demand for generators and how some residents faced life-threatening situations without power for extended periods. They discussed problematic legislation from the previous session, including an IDEM bill that would have weakened environmental safeguards and a controversial firing squad bill for death row inmates, though the latter failed to pass due to lack of constitutional majority. BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

To donate to Sally: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sally-busby-1?refcode=TurnLeft

Sally Busby, a candidate for Indiana House District 78. Sally shared her background, including her move from Memphis to Indiana, her work as an educator, and her personal experiences as a mother of a child with special needs. She discussed the key issues she is hearing from constituents while door-knocking, with a strong focus on the struggles with high utility rates from CenterPoint and the need for legislative action. Sally also emphasized the importance of supporting public education and capping school vouchers. The conversation highlighted her compassionate approach to politics, her desire to be a voice for her community, and her plans to prioritize utility rate reform and education funding if elected.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

To donate to Brad: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brad-hochgesang-1?refcode=TurnLeft

Brad Hochgesang, a candidate running for Indiana State Senate District 48. Brad discussed his background growing up in Jasper, Indiana, his studies in computer science at Rose-Hulman Institute, and his experience living in Chicago before returning to Southern Indiana. The conversation covered his opposition to the Mid-States Corridor Project, which he argued was poorly communicated to constituents and represented a bait-and-switch from fixing existing highways to building a new corridor that 81% of residents opposed. Brad explained his focus on data centers and how they would impact local property taxes, comparing the situation to other states' approaches to AI infrastructure. They also discussed affordability issues, housing costs, and the disconnect between promised property tax relief and actual experiences of residents. The interview highlighted Brad's technical background and approach to analyzing policy detailsBlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay

Turn Left with your host Indiana's Own Dana BlackWhere we discuss Indiana Politics from the Left side of things.

To donate to Cynthia: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cynthiawehr17?refcode=TurnLeft

Cynthia Wehr, a candidate for Indiana State Senate District 17. Cynthia shared her background as a lifelong resident of Huntington County, a former farmer, entrepreneur, nurse, and nonprofit founder. She expressed her frustration with the current Indiana supermajority, citing issues like taxation without representation, the impact of high diesel and fertilizer costs on family farms, and the state's handling of women's healthcare. Cynthia discussed her campaign's focus on affordability, public school funding, and property taxes. She emphasized her life experiences and passion for serving her community, noting positive responses from voters during her canvassing efforts.BlackPearl IT Solutions - www.blackpearl-its.com Music by Dorianan22 from Pixabay