July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.

Jay Democrats look to the future (10/06/07)


By By RACHELLE HAUGHN-

Remember when ...

Democratic candidates gathered Friday night to reflect on the past and make plans for the future.

And the two Democratic candidates for Indiana governor were no exception.

Jim Schellinger and Jill Long Thompson, both candidates for their party's nomination for governor, spoke to Jay County Democrats at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner about what current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has done in the past and what they plan to do in the future.

The speeches were appropriate for the event, which had the theme of "Remember When." The Women's Building at the Jay County Fairgrounds was filled with a mix of old photographs of former and current Democratic candidates and office-holders, and political signs and flyers for political races yet to be held.

Schellinger, a South Bend native, set the tone of the evening by saying, "I'm running for governor because Indiana does ... deserve better," referring to Daniels.

He reflected on school budget cuts, lost jobs and the rise in property taxes. "Indiana can and should be doing better," Schellinger said. "We deserve better leadership in our state."

The gubernatorial candidate said the state deserves to have a governor who listens to the people and focuses on progress.

"If you listen to Indiana ... you will learn the answers to our problems," he said.

Schellinger, who now resides in Indianapolis, pulled a penny from his pocket that he said he always carries with him.

He said an elderly man from South Bend gave it to him and told him, "Don't forget us. Every penny counts." The penny reminds him to remember the little guy.

In closing, Schellinger said in regards to Daniels, "We'll send him the message that we're taking back our state ... the message that our state is not for sale!" he said to a roar of claps and cheers. This is his first run for any political office.

Long Thompson, a former member of Congress whose district at one time included Jay County, first thanked several local residents for their help and support while she served as representative. She also has served as U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture.

"It's such a privilege and such a pleasure to be here with you tonight," she said.

She proceeded to tell stories about her childhood, then the more recent past. She said Indiana lost 17,000 manufacturing jobs last year.

"We used to be the envy of other states," she said.

The road to recovery starts with changing the tax structure, she said. Long Thompson also mentioned the recent hike in property taxes.

"I think that is a complete reflection of a breakdown" in office, she said. "I wouldn't have let it happen."

She also mentioned the Indiana toll road project and government privatization.

Long Thompson wrapped up her speech by saying, "This is going to be a tough race, but we have run through a tough race before.

"Indiana will once again be the envy of our entire country."[[In-content Ad]]
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