Candidates for governor meet at Hob Nob

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Fans of Hoosier politics enjoyed some campaign insight from Indiana's candidates for Governor.

On Monday night, Mike Pence, John Gregg and Rupert Boneham appeared at the Indy Chamber's "Hob Nob".

Over the years, that's become an essential election year gathering.

Mike Pence: Republican

 

Mike Pence, the Republican candidate, was the first to be questioned by 24 Hour News 8's Jim Shella, the moderator the gubernatorial candidates.

The first question was about the resignation of James Payne at the Department of Child Services.

"The most important thing in our lives is our kids," said Congressman Pence.

"And, I think that's something that's true of virtually every Hoosier.

And looking after our kids and seeing to the safety and well-being is my paramount obligation to the state of Indiana."

Pence said Indiana has seen significant improvements in child services and child protection in the State of Indiana.

"But, obviously, there's always room for improvement."

Pence chose not to directly address Payne's resignation.

"I defer entirely to Governor Daniels and his decision to accept Judge Payne's resignation," Pence said.

The Republican candidate re-stated his goals of improving graduation rates in Indiana and improving the health of Hoosier families.

He also said research supports his determination to "encourage strong, in-tact, two parent families.

Pence also discussed the "new tools" that will help the state "identify resources beyond traditional sources of funding" for more highway investment.

He wants I-69 completed from Evansville to Indianapolis.

He also said he wants a "thorough and expedited completion of the improvements on 31 North, recognizing that economic strength in Indiana's southwest, and in Indiana's 31 Corridor, are a priority.

And, of course, the Ohio River's projects, as well."

 

Rupert Boneham: Libertarian

 

The man who became famous from his success on Survivor said, when he decided to run, he didn't understand how difficult campaigning and fundraising would be.

"I would never have imagined it would be as much fun.

But I wouldn't have imagined it would be as hard as it has been either."

Boneham said Pence and Gregg have more money to spend on TV ads.

But, he has enough money to get on the road and talk about his plan.

"I would start eliminating some of our government and some of the administration out of many projects," he told the Hob Nob audience.

"I talk about what I see with empowerment empowering our community lessening our government, but still having some government involvement."

Boneham said he wants to know more about the funding of the Department of Child Services.

But, his questions haven't been answered.

"If we don't give those young men and women the ability to take care of themselves, we then take care of them and that's expensive."

The Libertarian candidate said he would also like to alter education in Indiana schools.

"I would put more value in the classrooms and I would put less value in the administration ,I see taking at least a look at how we eliminate layers of administration and put every one of those dollars back into the classroom.

Bring back Industrial Arts and life skills ,Industrial Arts, Home Arts and Life Skills back to our schools.

Start out even in first grade even in kindergarten with empowerment of our children."

To a question of: What has Mitch Daniels done wrong?, Boneham said he would like to de-centralize some power. He would return some decisions to the counties.

 

John Gregg: Democrat

 

Democrat John Gregg called for the removal of James Payne when the ethics concerns first appeared in a newspaper report. 

Gregg added his own concerns about problems in the DCS. 

He said , for example, "the call centers are broken" for people who want to report potential child abuse. 

Under a Gregg administration, he said each case will be examined.

On taxes and the state surplus, Gregg said: "Our proposals on the gasoline sales tax, our proposal on the corporate income tax, are both paid for ,we do not touch that state surplus in our proposals. 

We don't know how much that state surplus is. 

We really don't know if there is one. 

We're assuming there is one."

Gregg said he doubts the surplus is $2 million. 

"We do have some excess money. 

I think the Rainy Day Fund of about $400 million is essential to be kept.

But we need to remember that we owe over a billion and a half dollars to the unfunded liability in a pension plan for the state.

Together, that's also why Gregg said he'd like to see Indiana conduct an "efficiency audit." 

Gregg said if Indiana's results are like the other states conducting such audits, Indiana "we could find $700 million."
   
Gregg went on to describe a way to leverage low-interest loans to generate new investment in roads. 

He said his plan could be worth over $3 billlion and create 97,000 jobs on the way to more infrastructure improvements.
  

Gregg, if elected as a Democrat, could govern with both houses of the General