WARSAW — The Republican debate Tuesday evening at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center was divided into three sections — statements from those participating in contested races for sheriff, township trustees and advisory boards followed by debates between candidates for Indiana State Representatives in the 18th and 22nd Districts and finally candidates in the county commissioners race – southern district.

Candidates speak with guests prior to the debate along with having political signs and other items available.

Attendance was about one-third from a week ago in the forum for the sheriff’s race. Many left following the debate between the four state representative candidates, including some of the candidates themselves.

State Representative Race

Candidates for state representative responded to six questions applying to state level legislators. These questions were in the areas of employment discrimination and gender identity and hate crime laws, becoming a constitutional carry state in regards to guns, pro life, the opioid problem, school choice and legalization of marijuana for medical and recreational use.

Russell Reahard and David Wolkins, candidates for State Rep. District 18, and Kimberly Cates and Curt Nisly, candidates for State Rep. District 22 responded to those questions. Reahard and Nisly both noted a deterioration in society and morals is the root of the opioid problem, including a breakdown of the family.

Wolkins noted legislators approved nine new addiction centers and a database for every prescription to go through to stop the doctor shopping, as well as increasing the punishment. Yet he noted “you can’t legislate your self out of it.” Cates stated the focus should be on the children and programs of rehabilitation in the jails, yet there are so many facets to consider.

In his closing remarks Reahard stressed citizens need to protect those inalienable rights that “came from God,” and morals need to again be taught in the schools.

Wolkins noted his experience and relationships developed during the past 30 years, and there are times you just have to say no. “What you see is what you get. I’m the same person … have the same values now that I had 30 years ago.”

Cates expressed her advocacy for pro life, belief in carrying a loaded gun as well as being frugal. She also noted the need for local government to decide what’s best for them.

Nisly recalled his first days in office where people expected him to carry the agenda from Indianapolis back home. But his goal is to “represent you to Indianapolis … Every time I walked up the stairs I would think about you back home.”

Commissioner Candidates

The two candidates for county commissioner-southern district: Bob Conley and DeLynn Geiger were also given six questions relating to county government.

Their questions dealt with potential increase in the wheel tax to take care of roads, jail expansion and programs to reduce recidivism, county funding of quality of life projects, steps the county should take to prevent opioid related addictions and overdoses, keeping township governments and a top issue facing the county and how it should be addressed.

Regarding township government, both candidates expressed its importance to the county.

“The township serves the public that’s closest to them … valuable thing. Do away? I don’t know, it’s something we need to take a long hard look at,” said Conley. “I haven’t given it much thought or discussion. I still think we need to be cautious, that’s a slippery slope folks when you start doing away with duly elected officials …”

Geiger stated “small townships serve a vital purpose in our county … our small townships are very, very vital …they can reach out to one another in a small setting … helpful to each other, they can be a friend, hold a fundraiser when someone is down in need. You bring that to the county you can’t do what you can do on a small level.”

Conley’s closing remarks focused on the importance of representing every resident in the county. He noted the county does not have unlimited income and the need to deal with issues as they come up. “It’s about you as a taxpayer for us to discuss and come to a logical conclusion.”

Geiger noted the things that make a good commissioner: problem solving and being a listener. He noted he has a track record of being both. He also noted he understands infrastructures and roads. “If elected I will work hard for you, using the skills I have … .”

The audience heard from Tony Ciriello, Kyle Dukes, William “Rocky” Goshert and Chris Rager, candidates for the sheriff’s nomination; Tyler Huffer and Jerry Kammerer, candidates for Plain Township Trustee; Chris Francis and Steve Ward, candidates for Tippecanoe Township Trustee; Jeanie Stackhouse and Kerry Stogsdill, candidates for Wayne Township Trustee; Jack Baumgardner, candidate for Monroe Township Advisory Board; Jeff Anglemeyer, Ed Clayton and James Smith, candidates for Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board. Each of those candidates briefly spoke why they should be nominated for their respective positions.

Mike Braun, candidate for U.S. Senate, also made an appearance and briefly spoke to the audience.

Warsaw’s ROTC members presented the colors and led the group in the American Pledge.

The evening was hosted by the Kosciusko County Republican Women, Kosciusko County Chamber and a local news media outlet.