State Representative, District 14 Choose 1
The Indiana House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Indiana General Assembly. Alongside the Indiana State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the Indiana state government and works alongside the governor of Indiana to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Indiana House of Representatives include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising, and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
Biographical Information
Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/vernon.g.smith.9/
Campaign Email
littlevg@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Phone Number
219-887-2046
Years in an elected position
34
Please describe what you see as the top policy challenge in Indiana and how you plan to respond to it, if elected.
Improve the academic performance of Indiana student. I serve as the ranking minority member of the House Education Committee. I will continue to champion public education and insist on accountability from the state (DOE) which has not demonstrated that it knows how to provide leadership in this area.
How would you rate elementary education in your priorities?
Very unimportant
Somewhat unimportant
Neither important nor unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
If elected, what would you do to promote equality in education in our elementary schools?
See previous response immediately above.
If elected, how will you work to achieve environmental justice, ensuring communities receive equitable access to clean air, water, and response to climate disasters?
This area is very important and affects the quality of life. I will continue to be the voice of my district demanding environmental justice for my district and all Hoosiers.
AI (artificial intelligence) technology is the latest threat to our election process. If elected, what would you do to maintain the security and integrity of our election process?
I have been monitoring this process for years. As needed I will introduce legislation to address improprieties and urge its passage.
Lake County ranks lower than the state in mental health wellness, both for adults and youth. If elected, what steps would you take to improve the mental health of our residents?
Insist on adequate funding in this area. The State has been sorely neglected this area under Republican leadership.
What else would you like to share with us?
I highly respect our democracy and I am sensitive to and has been consistent in voicing the majority opinion of my constituents. I seek my constituents views and I voice them.
Biographical Information
Twitter Handle
@@ivan_ursery
Instagram Handle
ivan_ursery
Facebook Page
http://Facebook.com/STAND.FOR.CHRIST?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Campaign Website
http://electivan.com
Campaign Email
ElectIvan@gmail.com
Campaign Phone Number
2193866892
email
ivandurseryii@gmail.com
Years in an elected position
0
Please describe what you see as the top policy challenge in Indiana and how you plan to respond to it, if elected.
Protecting Parental Rights. By ensuring parents are informed of curriculum taught in elementary school and if there are discussions about “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” taking place in class.
How would you rate elementary education in your priorities?
Very unimportant
Somewhat unimportant
Neither important nor unimportant
Somewhat important
Very important
If elected, what would you do to promote equality in education in our elementary schools?
Ensure that every parent in my district, regardless of income, is able to enroll their child in a school of their choice.
If elected, how will you work to achieve environmental justice, ensuring communities receive equitable access to clean air, water, and response to climate disasters?
I will ensure communities have access to clean water by securing state funds and working alongside municipalities to replace old lead water pipes with soft copper pipes. I will ensure communities have access to clean air by authoring a bill that prohibits companies that emit hazardous fumes from building or relocating within a certain proximity of residential areas. I believe the term “climate disasters” is propaganda, but I will ensure funds are allocated for natural disasters.
AI (artificial intelligence) technology is the latest threat to our election process. If elected, what would you do to maintain the security and integrity of our election process?
I would author legislation that would eliminate mail-in voting (with exception for our active duty military and immobile senior citizens) and implement hand counting of all ballots cast at polling places on the night of the election.
Lake County ranks lower than the state in mental health wellness, both for adults and youth. If elected, what steps would you take to improve the mental health of our residents?
I would ensure that the Lake County Board of Health is allocated financial resources specifically to partner with local, reputable faith-based counseling services to refer people to for outpatient mental health treatment. I would also ensure churches and other non-profits that are already doing the work are properly funded through state grants.
What else would you like to share with us?
I’m a Christian, so my worldview is shaped by the Bible. I believe the family is the foundation of every society, so I’m pro-life and pro-traditional family. I’m for a small and responsible government, individual liberty & fidelity, fewer taxes, and economic growth & empowerment.