The League of Women Voters of Brown County chose the questions to ask the candidates in each race and sent questionnaires to each candidate who has opposition in the primary.
Other candidates will be questioned before the November general election.
Answers appear in the candidates’ own words. Some answers were trimmed to stay within the 150-word limit.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization.
1. Please describe the occupations, education/training and experience that qualify you for this office.
Eric Koch (R): Education: Georgetown University, B.S. in business administration; Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, doctorate of jurisprudence; Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, civil mediation certificate; University of Idaho, College of Business and Economics, graduate certificate in energy policy planning; Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Foundation, community bank director certification. Career/occupation: Attorney in private practice with Koch & McAuley PC; president of Indiana Title Insurance Co. Through my experience in the Legislature, I am able to shape public policy and advocate effectively for our district. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I benefit from my 30 years in the private practice of law. As a small-business owner who has created jobs for several decades, I understand how jobs are created and the importance of a skilled workforce.
2. Why are you running for this office/position?
Koch: I enjoy public service. I have had the privilege of serving Brown County in both the Indiana House and Senate, and over that time have developed an understanding of the unique nature and needs of Brown County. As a husband, father, and now recent grandfather, I care deeply about the future and quality of life of our state.
3. What are your top three priorities in state government?
Koch: We need to continue to maintain our balanced budget and nationally-recognized tax and regulatory environment, while addressing school funding and healthcare reform challenges and supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for all Hoosiers.
4. What are your top priorities for State Senate District 44?
Koch: My top priority for District 44 is to be an effective voice for our district and its unique needs. This is done by being active in the district and maintaining close working relationships with local officials. In particular, we need to continue our successful initiatives supporting rural broadband expansion and increased road funding in rural communities. As next session is a budget year, we need to make sure that rural areas of our state that are experiencing declining population have sufficient public school funding.
