Former Illinois lawmaker to seek Democratic treasurer nomination

By Lesley Weidenbener
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – A former Illinois legislator will seek the Democratic nomination for state treasurer at the party’s convention on May 31 in Indianapolis.

Mike Boland, who now lives in Fishers, filed paperwork with the party Friday morning to run.

He’s expected to be opposed and then face the winner of the GOP nomination. Three-term Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold, Don Bates Jr. of Richmond and Kelly Mitchell, who works in the treasurer’s office now, will face off at the Republican convention next month.

Boland, a 30-year educator, moved to Indiana in 2012 with his wife after serving in the Illinois General Assembly for 16 years, where he was active in legislation related to schools, veterans, child advocacy, agriculture and firefighters. Since arriving in Indiana, he’s become involved in Democratic politics by helping candidates and organizations with a mission to “restore balance to Hoosier government.”

Currently, Republicans hold all the state elected offices – except the superintendent of public instruction – and the GOP also controls the House and Senate.

“Mike Boland is a lifelong public servant who will work hard to advance the cause of ‘better and more balanced’ government in our Statehouse,” said State Democratic Chairman John Zody. “Hoosiers deserve better in our state, and a candidate like Mike who understands that mission. When elected, he will keep his focus on Hoosiers instead of on politics.”

Boland said in a statement that the state treasurer is “is tasked with enormous responsibility in the financial management of taxpayer dollars” and has some ability to move money separately from General Assembly appropriations.

“It is imperative that there be transparent and balanced representation in our Statehouse,” Boland said. “As treasurer, I will work to restore the trust of Hoosiers with my attention squarely focused on the fiscal health of our state.”

Democrats plan to gather in Indianapolis on May 30-31 for what they’re calling the ‘Big Dem Weekend,’’ which will include the party’s annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner followed by the State Democratic Convention.