JOBS FOR SOUTHWEST INDIANA ANNOUNCES FALL ENDORSEMENTS

 EVANSVILLE- The Jobs for Southwest Indiana Political Action Committee (JPAC) announced their endorsements for the fall elections today. 

The Southwest Indiana Chamber created JPAC in 1996 as a separate organization to support pro-business candidates for local and state offices. JPAC is a nine-member, bipartisan board co-chaired by a Republican and Democrat member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The members use long-established criteria and guidelines to determine support for pro-business candidates. JPAC’s criteria also focuses on leadership in job preservation and creation, and demonstrated quality communication skills. JPAC does not endorse unless a race is contested. 

During this election cycle, the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee interviewed candidates in several regional and state races. The recordings of these interviews can be found at www.swinchamber.com. 

JPAC has endorsed candidates in the following area contested races: 

For Governor & Lt. Governor: 

JPAC again endorses Eric Holcomb and Suzanne Crouch – the work during their first term has proven valuable to our region and the state as a whole by creating a solid fiscal foundation for the state while making progress on infrastructure projects like I-69 and broadband development. The steady hand of these leaders will be valuable as we continue to work through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2 

For Indiana House District 74: 

JPAC again endorses Matt Hostettler for a 2nd term in the Indiana House. Rep. Hostettler has been responsive to learning about business and regional issues during his first two years in office and has the potential to be a stronger voice for SW Indiana as he spends more time in the Statehouse. 

For Indiana House District 76: 

Wendy McNamara has again earned our respect and endorsement as a thoughtful representative for Southwest Indiana, especially for her work on criminal justice issues. Her attention to making Indiana a great business location and her commitment to Indiana’s investments in our children and education serves our community well. We think Wendy is well-suited to continue to make Southwest Indiana a region to be reckoned with. 

For Indiana House District 77: 

Ryan D. Hatfield has become a recognized leader in the legislature as a voice for our region and on issues such as energy planning. He is a thoughtful representative for Southwest Indiana and JPAC is pleased to again endorse Ryan Hatfield for re-election. 

For Indiana House District 78: 

Holli Sullivan has proven to be a valuable legislative leader in her caucus and across party lines working on transportation issues and as a leader on the Ways and Means Committee considering the state budget and other financial issues. Sullivan has consistently been responsive to the needs of our regional business community and we are honored to again endorse Holli Sullivan for re-election. 

For County Councils: 

The County Council is the ultimate decision-making body for local fiscal affairs. The council has authority to view or review fiscal matters, determine proper policy, and set priorities for the allocation and expenditure of county funds. 

This year, Vanderburgh County is fortunate to have many worthy candidates who have stepped up to serve and we look forward to several of these candidates working for the betterment of our community for years to come. Four years ago, JPAC supported Joe Kiefer, Mike Goebel. and Angela Koehler Lindsey. and we’re pleased to recommend that they be re-elected. 

In addition, JPAC endorses Amy Back, a first-time candidate who has demonstrated a strong understanding of the issues our community faces and provides a fresh perspective on ways to address them. Back is also a former Southwest Indiana Chamber employee, so we are very familiar with her strong work ethic and commitment to community. 3 

In Warrick County JPAC endorses incumbent Bradley Overton, who continues his prudent oversight of Warrick County finances and we are pleased to endorse long-time State Representative Ron Bacon who we have endorsed for said prior office. Bacon has demonstrated commitment to Warrick County issues and a substantial command of the budgeting and public management skills we appreciate in public office. 

For Vanderburgh County Commissioner: 

The Commissioners are the executive leaders of county government for Vanderburgh County. Their role as community leaders has been emphasized and strengthened as the Commissioners and Evansville Mayor have worked closely together to manage local government and address community needs as we’ve reacted and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

JPAC endorsed Ben Shoulders in his first bid for public office and we are pleased to recommend his re-election this year. He has built a reputation for being “everywhere” as a visible and active community participant, which is one key to his success as a responsive, thoughtful leader. 

For EVSC Board: 

Under the leadership of the EVSC School Board and Superintendent Dr. Smith, the EVSC has elevated the rating of our schools, set the standard for pre-school enrollment, and implemented a compensation model that incents and supports good alignment of our teaching talent with the schools that face the greater challenges. JPAC has long challenged the EVSC leadership to ensuring that our most valuable regional asset, our children, are well-prepared for training beyond high school and to participate fully in the civic and economic future of our region. The following individuals are deserving of another term of service and have won our support for their willingness to set informed policy, study and debate the financial choices put before the board, and for establishing the culture in which Dr. Smith, the administrators, and educators manage the third largest school district in Indiana. JPAC endorses Terry Gamblin and Jeffrey R. Worthington. Newcomer candidate for local elected office, but not to the issues of public education, former educator and business-women Amy Word also impresses with her attention to the interests of EVSC teachers and students. 

#END